After an extensive development program loosely kept under wraps, Melges Performance Sailboats unveiled the Melges 19, the latest addition to its high-performance dinghy range. Designed in partnership with Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges in Wisconsin, Melges says its new three-person, 19-foot one-design “delivers affordable fun and performance with signature Melges style.”
“The Melges 19 fills an important gap in the market,” says Harry Melges III. “It’s built for sailors who love speed, simplicity, and sailing with their family and friends. The boat is designed to allow for a variety of three-person crew combinations to sail and be competitive.”
According to an announcement today, the Melges 19 offers “a uniquely connected sailing experience, with a light, with a light and responsive helm that gives sailors immediate feedback and control. Built on a stable and forgiving platform, it’s as rewarding for experienced sailors as it is approachable for new sailors. The boat doubles as the ultimate cross trainer – refining your touch, sharpening your sense of movement, and building skills that carry over to every type of sailing.”
As a daggerboard boat, ramp launching with a custom dolly and trailer is an option, but at 395 pounds it’s easily hoisted as well for venues without adequate ramps or beach access.
Melges says the deep cockpit is spacious and well-organized to accommodate an unlimited composition of teams: “Every detail, from the rig to the backstay setup and sail plan, has been carefully designed and tested to make the Melges 19 welcoming for crews of all levels, with just the right amount of power for exciting racing and easy handling. With a target crew weight of 485 to 535 pounds, the Melges 19 is designed to be inclusive and competitive.”
The Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida, now home to winter action for Melges scow and one-design classes, will host the inaugural Melges 19 Winter Series in December, followed by events January, February and March. Each of the four events will feature a pre-regatta clinic.
The boat is priced at $34,500, which includes all sails and rigging. The one-design sail plan features a Dacron main and Mylar jib and a 319-square foot asymmetric kite with a single-line halyard hoist and douse system. A combination trailer and dolly, plus covers and race electronics are not included in the price.
Melges 19 Specifications
- Length Overall: 19 feet / 5.79 meters
- Beam: 6.5 feet / 1.98 meters
- Draft: 4.5 feet / 1.37 meters
- Weight: 395 pounds / 179 kilograms
- Crew: 3 people
- Target Crew Weight: 485–535 pounds / 220-243 kilograms
- SAIL AREA:
- Main: 133 square feet / 12 square meters
- Jib: 65 square feet / 6 square meters
- Spinnaker: 319 square feet / 30 square meters
