First Melges 15 European Championship set for Summer 2025
by Morgan Kinney 28 Nov 02:49 PST
10-13 July 2025
Melges 15 European Championship © Melges Ireland
The Melges 15 Class is excited to announce the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships, which will take place in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, from July 10-13, 2025. This competition will be one of the highlights of the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, Ireland’s largest sailing event, celebrating its 10th edition over 20 years next July.
The biennial Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta is expected to draw sailors from over 400 boats, including high-performance racing yachts and coastal classics, competing across various courses in the renowned waters of Dublin Bay.
With a dozen charter boats accessible, the Melges 15 European Championships are anticipated to attract sailors globally. Over 40 boats are expected to participate, marking a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event to date.
The championship will feature three days of competitive racing (Friday to Sunday) and a pre-event clinic on Thursday. Competitors will range in age from 12 to 75, with awards given across several categories for exceptional performances.
Theo Lyttle, President of the Irish Melges 15 Class, stated, “It is fantastic that Ireland has been selected to host the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships as part of the prestigious Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. We anticipate teams coming from regions as distant as the USA, Portugal, UK, and Sweden. This will significantly benefit the Melges 15 class in Ireland for 2025.”
Alongside the racing, the Irish Melges 15 Class is organizing an exciting social program for visiting sailors, allowing them to enjoy the best of Irish culture and hospitality. Highlights will include a golf day, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a swim at the famous Forty Foot bathing area.
Don O’Dowd, Chairman of the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, commented, “At VDLR 2025, we are thrilled to host the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships. With high-quality racing guaranteed by our international race officers and an engaging social agenda, our guests will experience the best of Irish hospitality off the water. Being part of the fastest-growing class in the world is exhilarating, and this event will certainly be a stunning spectacle on the waters of Dún Laoghaire.”
To improve the visitor experience, the regatta has appointed an accommodation officer who is compiling a range of nearby lodging options, including private rooms, houses, B&Bs, and hotels, to meet the various needs of competitors and their teams.
Eddie Cox from Melges stated, “The Melges 15 Class continues to experience outstanding growth worldwide. The European Championship provides an excellent opportunity for competitors globally to experience the lively energy and spirit of the class. We are eager to collaborate with such an iconic event for superb racing while building connections within the international sailing community.”
The Melges team will be present throughout the event, ensuring world-class racing as well as conducting post-race debriefs, while the waters of Dublin Bay prepare to welcome the Melges 15 fleet for this landmark event that combines thrilling racing with Ireland’s famous hospitality.
For further information and updates, visit www.melges15.com.
