The final event of the Melges MC Winter Series wrapped up with an outstanding weekend of coaching, racing, and learning at the Melges Water Sports Center. Winter Series Event #3 delivered ideal conditions, competitive racing, and the same unique format that has made the series such a valuable experience for Melges MC sailors.
Friday began with a clinic featuring on-the-water coaching paired with onshore video review. Sailors were treated to perfect conditions with southeast winds of 10–15 knots, warm 82-degree temperatures, and clear skies.
Racing began on Saturday and continued through Sunday, giving sailors the opportunity to put what they learned into practice on the racecourse while continuing to receive guidance from the Melges coaching team.
The weekend was led by Melges Team coaches Ted Keller and Andy Burdick, who provided top-level instruction both on and off the water. Melges Team member Jordan Gray kept the program running smoothly, organizing each day’s schedule and ensuring sailors got the most out of every session.
Throughout the three-day event, sailors worked on a wide range of performance topics including tuning and setup, mark roundings, race tactics, and countless practice starts. The coaching also covered how to maximize the Vakaros RaceSense system, improve tacks and gybes, dial in sail shape and mast bend, and refine downwind speed and boat handling through video review and on-the-water feedback.
The racing itself was just as competitive as the coaching was valuable.
Winter Series Event #3 Results
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Buzz Reynolds
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John Harrop
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Kent Sisk
With the final event complete, the 2025–2026 Melges MC Winter Series Champion is Kent Sisk, followed by Jamie Searles in second and John Harrop in third overall.
2025–2026 Winter Series Overall Standings
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Kent Sisk
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Jamie Searles
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John Harrop
While the results highlight strong performances at the top of the fleet, the real success of the Winter Series lies in the growth and improvement of every sailor who participated. The coaching-focused format continues to prove how valuable structured training alongside racing can be.
With the Winter Series now complete, attention turns to the next major event on the Melges MC calendar. Sailors will head to Lake Eustis this weekend for the Melges MC Midwinter Championship, where many Winter Series competitors will continue the momentum and put their offseason training to the test.
The Melges MC Winter Series continues to grow each season, and the enthusiasm from participants speaks volumes about the program’s impact.
Dates for the 2026–2027 Melges MC Winter Series will be released soon. Stay tuned and come see what the program is all about!
2025-2026 Winter Series Results