This summer, the Melges Watersports Center hosted its first-ever summer camp! Camp was offered in half-day sessions and geared toward younger sailors on the brand-new Melges Spark. Campers quickly got comfortable sailing the Spark while also enjoying everything the river has to offer, including plenty of manatee and dolphin sightings along the way. The Spark proved to be a great platform for introducing young sailors to the fundamentals of sailing in a simple and approachable boat.
As campers progressed, some had the opportunity to jump into the Melges 15 and experience sailing with an asymmetric spinnaker for the first time. The speed and excitement brought plenty of smiles, hoots, and hollers and made for some memorable moments on the water.
The Melges Watersports Center also hosted a number of private lessons for adults throughout the summer. Lessons were offered on the new Melges 19 or Melges 15s. Sailors ranged from those looking to build their skills to experienced dinghy sailors wanting to learn asymmetric sailing or sharpen their boat handling ahead of an upcoming event or Winter Series.
Looking Ahead to Fall
With summer winding down, the Melges Watersports Center is gearing up for a full schedule of fall programming. This will include the youth-focused Spark Academy and an Adult Learn to Sail program. The new Spark Academy will offer a 10-week program for sailors ages 7–12, with Thursday morning and after-school sessions. Adult Learn to Sail will also be offered monthly, combining a weeknight seminar with a two-day, on-the-water weekend session.
There’s plenty ahead for racers, too. With the arrival of 12 new Melges 15s, the Melges Watersports Center is excited to bring weeknight racing back to the center. And with the MC Scow, Melges 15, and Melges 19 Winter Series kicking off again in November, fall is the perfect time to get back on the water, sharpen your skills, and get ready for another great winter of racing at the Melges Watersports Center.