Features
Ergonomic Cockpit – The Melges 15 features an ergonomic platform and a broader weight range for competitive racing. Melges conducted extensive research and product testing to produce this layout factoring in cockpit depth, backbone height, and floor plan. The result is a comfortable environment for both the skipper and crew. The deeper cockpit takes the load off the sailor’s knees and helps them feel more locked into the boat. Creating a boat that adults can feel comfortable while sailing was a key design factor in the hull and cockpit design of the Melges 15.
Performance & Stability – With the main design goals focused on stability and performance in a variety of conditions, the Melges 15 features a narrow overall beam and a flat cross-section shape for stability, righting moment, and ease of planing. For a more forgiving feel upwind and to navigate larger sea states, the Melges 15 has just the right amount of fore and aft rocker.
Single-Pull Spinnaker System – The asymmetric spinnaker offers an additional performance element while the single-pull launch and retrieval system makes handling the sail easy and fast. One line pulls the halyard up, bowsprit out, and tack line out. To take the kite down, simply release the pull-up line and pull the douser line to take the kite back down again. The kite douses into a bag located in the front of the cockpit.
Cockpit Layout – Every aspect of the deck hardware has been designed for simplicity and ease of use. With blocks and cleats situated in easy-to-grab locations making it easier on the skipper and crew to maneuver the boat.
Gnav Vang – The Gnav vang system gives the crew substantially more space to maneuver in the cockpit.
Tapered Aluminum Mast – The Melges 15 mast features a tapered mast tip allowing for maximum depowering when the breeze is up. The stiffer bottom of the mast combined with the softer mast tip allows the M15 to be sailed competitively by a wider range of weights in both light and heavy air.
Aluminum Foils – Aluminum foils maximize performance and durability in one package. Consistent foil shape helps ensure fair racing across the class while being extremely durable.
Flip-up Rudder – Never has been getting your rudder up been so easy. No need to get wet, no lines to pull, just pop the tiller up and pull it forward, this action pulls the rudder into its flipped up position.
Club Sailing or Racing – Transitioning from a non-spinnaker to a spinnaker platform is quick and easy. Set the bowsprit and spin back in the boat and you are ready to go. This is a great feature for clubs who want to teach during the day and race at night.
Closed Transom – Comfort and safety were at the forefront of this design. Closing the transom of the Melges 15 has eliminated the need for a false floor, allowing for a deeper more comfortable cockpit. Any water that enters the easily drains out of the scupper holes in the transom and the bailors in the cockpit.
How to Rig the Spinnaker on a Melges 15
If you’re interested in knowing more about Melges events in Colorado contact Richard Allen / richard@180marine.com
Authorized Rocky Mountain Melges Dealer for Melges 14, 15, 20, and 24
Richard Allen / CEO 180 Marine
ABOUT MELGES PERFORMANCE SAILBOATS:
Melges is a leading performance sailboat and powerboat supplier that has proudly delivered high quality boats around the world since 1945. Headquartered in Zenda, Wisconsin, the three-generation family business is proud to be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020. Innovation, performance, quality, and passion are the hallmarks of the Melges brand. For more information about Melges, visit www.melges.com.