From the heartland and cornfields of Zenda, Wisconsin (with a census population of 120), comes big news for the sailing industry that Melges Performance Sailboats has been purchased by champion sailors Cate Muller-Terhune and her husband Allan Terhune Jr.
According to a company statement issued today, the sale of this iconic brand, founded by Harry C. Melges in 1945 and nurtured across three generations, “reflects both a celebration of the Melges family legacy and a bold step forward. Cate and Allan Terhune bring extensive experience as lifelong sailors, industry leaders, and class advocates. They are committed to honoring Melges’ heritage while guiding the company into its next era of growth.
“The Terhunes also represent a new era of industry leadership, balancing championship-winning campaigns with contributions to sail design, class development, and leadership in the sport. Their partnership reflects the modern face of competitive sailing: innovative, collaborative, and dedicated to growing the sport at every level.”
New Owners With Sailing Clout
Previous to purchasing the extensive Melges brand, Cate Muller-Terhune handled marketing and business development then presided over her family’s successful Chicago-based architecture firm, Muller & Muller (Muller2). The business was acquired by Gannett Fleming TranSystems in December 2024 for an undisclosed amount. Maintaining a busy work-racing balance throughout her time at the family firm, Muller-Terhune has been a world-class one-design helmswoman and offshore racer. Allan Terhune Jr. is a longtime professional sailor who has led North Sails’ North American One-Design division since 2007, while earning more than a dozen national and continental sailing titles.
“Melges has always been about more than boats. It’s about the people, competition, and community,” said Cate and Allan in a joint statement issued by Melges Performance Sailboats. “We are humbled that Harry has entrusted us with taking the next leap towards an amazing future. We are excited to carry on this incredible legacy and join an amazing team that is expanding opportunities for sailors everywhere to experience the joy and excellence that the Melges brand represents.”
“Our family has dedicated generations to building Melges into what it is today,” said Harry Melges III in the release. “We know the Terhunes will honor that history while continuing to innovate and inspire the sailing world.”
Production Continues in Zenda
Melges Performance Sailboat, the company statement continues, will remain headquartered in Zenda, Wisconsin, and the new Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida, will continue to operate as a hub for racing, education, and community building. Andy Burdick continues as President of Melges, and Harry Melges III will remain with the company in his new role as Board Member.
“We are excited to join forces with Cate and Allan, whose vision and values align closely with our own. We’ve done some incredible work over my 40 years at Melges,” said Burdick. “I see this as the beginning of a new chapter—one that will allow us to accelerate growth, strengthen our capabilities, and continue to deliver exceptional value to the sailing community.”
