Melges 20 Information, Review, Specs

The Melges 20 emerged in 2007 as another groundbreaking one-design racer from the collaboration between Melges Performance Sailboats and the acclaimed Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design. The philosophy behind the Melges 20 was to create a boat with beautiful lines while providing simple, fun, world-class racing. Melges Performance Sailboats, with a "century of heritage" since 1945, has consistently focused on crafting high-performance, one-design boats that prioritize speed, precise handling, and an "easy-to-sail" experience. The Melges family's deep involvement, particularly the racing experience of Harry "Buddy" Melges Jr., has profoundly shaped the company's design philosophy, ensuring that race-winning characteristics are at the core of every vessel. Under the leadership of Harry Melges III, the company continued its trajectory of innovation, evident in models like the Melges 20. The boat's construction in fiberglass, a natural progression for Melges, allows for lighter, stronger, and more consistent racing platforms, upholding their commitment to quality and performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Melges 20 is celebrated for its responsiveness and thrilling sailing experience, often described as a keelboat that handles more like a dinghy. Its design emphasizes stability and performance across various conditions, featuring a narrow overall beam of 7.0 feet and a displacement of 1146 lbs. While its 20-foot length might suggest limitations, the Melges 20 is engineered to be quick and engaging. The boat is designed for a crew of two to four, with no crew weight restrictions, contributing to its broad appeal. Owners and sailors consistently describe the Melges 20 as "plain fun to sail" and capable of providing significant speed. However, some owners coming from larger Melges models, like the Melges 24, have noted that the 20-footer can feel sluggish in certain conditions, and its ability to handle waves might not match that of its larger counterparts. Despite this, it excels in flat water with light wind, and its high freeboard and well-thought-out deck layout, including spinnaker sheets led inside the cockpit, contribute to a clean and efficient sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated 20-foot sportboat, the Melges 20 prioritizes racing performance over extensive interior accommodations. The design is straightforward, drawing inspiration from dinghy principles. It features an enclosed interior, but this space is minimal and primarily serves for access and storage rather than comfortable living. There are no winches on board, streamlining the deck for racing. While specific details on headroom are not available, it is understood that any interior space would be tight and functional, consistent with a high-performance one-design racer of its size. The focus is on a lightweight and efficient platform, offering little in the way of amenities found on cruising sailboats.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and sailors of the Melges 20 often praise its ability to deliver world-class racing that is both fun and competitive. The class has attracted a strong global community, with many owners remaining with the class for extended periods. The boat is seen as a "gateway drug" for performance sailing, appealing to those seeking speed and excitement. Reviewers have noted the quality of its construction, with good non-skid, smooth edges, and securely bedded fittings, instilling confidence in the boats. However, some discussions highlight that the class, at times, was perceived as "elitist," with many crews comprising a wealthy owner and professional sailors, though efforts have been made to encourage Corinthian participation. While generally well-regarded for its performance, anecdotal feedback suggests it might not be ideal for rough offshore conditions, with some expressing that it can feel less robust than larger sportboats in waves. Despite minor criticisms, the Melges 20 is widely appreciated for its precise handling, the thrill it offers on the water, and the vibrant racing community it fosters.