Exceptional Growth for the Melges 15 Winter Series as Sailors Register a Record 126 Boats

As the refrains of winter come alive, the Melges 15 Winter series picks up an exceptional pace, teetering on the edges of an extraordinary show of strength in 2026. A record-smashing 126 boats were registered for participating in the second event of the Winter Series, a considerable leap from the preceding year when a still not-to-be-scoffed-at 109 vessels graced the waters. This fascinating episodic growth trajectory has firmly placed Melges 15 Winter Series on the map as one of the rapidly expanding one-design fleets in North America. Rising on the crest of last season’s momentum, the January regatta will see a two-day racing spectacle on the Banana River, preceded by an on-the-water clinic. The clinic, expected to see participation from over 30 teams, will be conducted under the aegis of the lauded three-time world champion and guest coach Steve Hunt alongside 2025’s National Champion Madeline Baldridge. Across the years, the Melges 15 Winter Series has drawn enormous fleets to the sunlit shores on Florida, riding on the cusp of the winter break. Year after year, the Winter Series Event 2 has shattered attendance records, presenting a spectacle that has delighted attendees and participants equally. As the intensity of the race mounts on water, an equally vibrant scenery enscones spectators on land. Nail-biting races and thrilling culmination of events create an electric atmosphere, both off and on water. The event offers a wholesome family experience, peppered with loads of fun and camaraderie. The Winter Series has also evolved into a technical playground to test and showcase RaceSense, a proprietary technology by Vakaros, for enhancing the racing experience. The unprecedented scale of the fleet provides a real-world environment to assess and refine race management, ensuring a seamless experience. The Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island has proven to be the perfect venue with its convenient location and efficient logistics support. Besides the efficient management of the event, the welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere created by the Melges Team plays a vital role in creating memorable experiences.