For one Madison, WI family, the search for the perfect post-Opti sailboat led them to the Melges 15, and they haven’t looked back. Meet Tim Sugar, wife Darby, and kids Sydney and Arlus.
“We needed something easy to keep at our local park and could be beach-launched,” explained Tim. “The Melges 15 is a natural fit—it’s stable, quick, and accessible. Once a fleet started forming locally, it was an easy decision to jump in, even though our kids are just 10 and 12 years old.”
The kids got their first taste of the Melges 15 sailing in May at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club Spring Regatta. The Spring air was brisk, but the water was flat with a steady 10-15 knots of wind.
“Our finishes ranged from last to third, but we had an absolute blast,” Tim shared. “It was the perfect introduction, fast enough to be exciting while not overwhelming. It’s simple enough that the kids can drive while the adult handles the controls.”
This summer, the Sugar family plans to sail locally on Thursday nights and travel to three regattas. The plan is simple: rotate the crew, keep things light, and focus on having fun.
“We have a great community of families committed to racing in Madison this summer. I was also very impressed by the number of kiddos at Lake Geneva. We’re all looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.”
Tim’s advice for other families? “Just do it! The Melges 15 is the perfect boat for families looking to stay active and grow together in the sport.”