Early December 2025 marked a milestone for the Melges 19 as the first regatta was hosted at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida. With steady racing conditions, a welcoming venue, and an enthusiastic fleet, the inaugural event set the tone for what promises to be an exciting future for the newest addition to the Melges lineup.
The historic first win went to Travis Weisleder (VA), sailing alongside his son Finn Weisleder and John Bowden. Their experience clearly demonstrated what the Melges 19 was designed to do: bring people together on the water with a boat that’s simple, stable, and genuinely fun to sail.
“The boat is Melges the way they always do everything—you just jump in and go sailing and go racing,” said Weisleder. “You don’t have to do a lot of stuff, which is really quite perfect.”
For Travis, the highlight went far beyond the podium. “The best part for us was that my son Finn got to go sailing with us this weekend. He’s not really a sailor and never really got into it, so John and I were helping him learn how to go through the motions. That’s really a testament to what Harry and Buddy and Eddie and Andy—and now Cate and Allan—have always done at Melges: create something that’s super simple, easy to go out in, and that anybody can learn how to do.”
“The boat, as a Melges, is the way they always do everything—you just jump in and go sailing and go racing,” said Weisleder. “You don’t have to do a lot of stuff, which is really quite perfect.”
For Travis, the highlight went far beyond the podium. “The best part for us was that my son Finn got to go sailing with us this weekend. He’s not really a sailor and never really got into it, so John and I were helping him learn how to move through the motions. That’s really a testament to what Harry, Buddy, Eddie, Andy, and the whole team at Melges—and now Cate and Allan—have always done: create something that’s super simple, easy to go out, and that anybody can go do.”
That sentiment echoed throughout the fleet. Competitors consistently praised the Melges 19 for its stability, versatility, and accessibility.
“When the breeze is up, you can really plane in this thing,” said Danielle Resch (MN). "We're all hiking on the high side, rolling over some boats on the downwinds, it was a lot of fun."
Others highlighted the boat’s suitability for a wide range of crews. “The great thing about this boat is that you get to sail with three people. If you're a family, that's a lot easier. I certainly think a three-person system can be a lot more fun than just two,” said Art Brereton (MI).
Several sailors noted the Melges 19’s appeal as a true entry point into racing without sacrificing performance. “This is a great beginner boat to get into. It’s solid, it’s easy to learn on, it goes upwind great, and it goes downwind great. It’s such a fun ride,” said Resch.
By the end of the weekend, it was clear that the first Melges 19 event delivered exactly what it promised: close racing, smiles all around, and a boat that lowers the barrier to entry while maintaining the level of performance Melges is known for. If this inaugural regatta was any indication, the Melges 19 is off to a strong start.
The Melges 19 Winter Series continues January 17-18, February 28-March 1, and March 27-29 at the Melges Watersports Center. Learn more on melges19.com.