Inaugural Melges 15 European Championship scheduled for Summer 2025

by Morgan Kinney 28 Nov 10:49 UTC
10-13 July 2025

The Melges 15 Class is thrilled to announce the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships, set to take place in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, from July 10-13, 2025. This event will be a highlight of the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, Ireland’s largest sailing event, which celebrates its 10th edition over 20 years next July.

The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, held biennially, is expected to attract sailors from over 400 boats, ranging from high-performance racing yachts to coastal classics, competing across multiple courses in the iconic waters of Dublin Bay.

With a dozen charter boats available, the Melges 15 European Championships are expected to draw sailors from around the world. Over 40 boats are expected to compete, making this a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event to date.

The championship schedule includes three days of competitive racing (Friday-Sunday) and a pre-event clinic on Thursday. Competitors will range in age from 12 to 75, with prizes awarded across multiple categories to recognize outstanding performances.

Irish Melges 15 Class President Theo Lyttle commented, “It is great news that Ireland has been chosen to host the very first Melges 15 European Championships, as part of the prestigious Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. We are expecting teams from as far away as the USA, Portugal, UK, and Sweden. This will be a great boost to the Melges 15 class in Ireland for 2025.”

In addition to the on-water action, the Irish Melges 15 Class is planning a great social program for visiting sailors, ensuring they enjoy the best of Irish culture and hospitality. Highlights include a golf day, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a swim at the famous Forty Foot bathing spot.

Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta Chairman Don O’Dowd remarked, “At VDLR 2025 we are delighted to host the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships. With quality racing assured by our international race officers and an exciting social program, our visitors will experience the best of Irish hospitality ashore. It is exciting to be involved with the fastest growing class in the world, and the event will be a real spectacle on the water of Dún Laoghaire.”

To enhance the visitor experience, the regatta has appointed an accommodation officer, compiling a wide range of nearby housing options, including private rooms, houses, B&Bs, and hotels, to meet the diverse needs of competitors and their teams.

Eddie Cox, Melges, said, “The Melges 15 Class continues to see unparalleled growth worldwide. The European Championship offers a fantastic chance for competitors from around the world to experience the energy and spirit of the class. We’re excited to partner with such an iconic event for exceptional racing while fostering connections within the international sailing community.”

The Melges team will be on-site throughout the event, not only to ensure world-class racing but also to provide post-race debriefs and the waters of Dublin Bay are ready to welcome the Melges 15 fleet for this historic event, combining exhilarating racing and Ireland’s legendary hospitality.

Follow www.melges15.com for more information and announcements.