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.”

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After an extensive development program loosely kept under wraps, Melges Performance Sailboats unveiled the Melges 19, the latest addition to its high-performance dinghy range. Designed in partnership with Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges in Wisconsin, Melges says its new three-person, 19-foot one-design “delivers affordable fun and performance with signature Melges style.”

“The Melges 19 fills an important gap in the market,” says Harry Melges III. “It’s built for sailors who love speed, simplicity, and sailing with their family and friends. The boat is designed to allow for a variety of three-person crew combinations to sail and be competitive.”

According to an announcement today, the Melges 19 offers “a uniquely connected sailing experience, with a light, with a light and responsive helm that gives sailors immediate feedback and control. Built on a stable and forgiving platform, it’s as rewarding for experienced sailors as it is approachable for new sailors. The boat doubles as the ultimate cross trainer – refining your touch, sharpening your sense of movement, and building skills that carry over to every type of sailing.”

As a daggerboard boat, ramp launching with a custom dolly and trailer is an option, but at 395 pounds it’s easily hoisted as well for venues without adequate ramps or beach access.

Melges says the deep cockpit is spacious and well-organized to accommodate an unlimited composition of teams: “Every detail, from the rig to the backstay setup and sail plan, has been carefully designed and tested to make the Melges 19 welcoming for crews of all levels, with just the right amount of power for exciting racing and easy handling. With a target crew weight of 485 to 535 pounds, the Melges 19 is designed to be inclusive and competitive.”

The Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida, now home to winter action for Melges scow and one-design classes, will host the inaugural Melges 19 Winter Series in December, followed by events January, February and March. Each of the four events will feature a pre-regatta clinic.

The boat is priced at $34,500, which includes all sails and rigging. The one-design sail plan features a Dacron main and Mylar jib and a 319-square foot asymmetric kite with a single-line halyard hoist and douse system. A combination trailer and dolly, plus covers and race electronics are not included in the price.

Melges 19 Specifications

• Length Overall: 19 feet / 5.79 meters
• Beam: 6.5 feet / 1.98 meters
• Draft: 4.5 feet / 1.37 meters
• Weight: 395 pounds / 179 kilograms
• Crew: 3 people
• Target Crew Weight: 485–535 pounds / 220-243 kilograms
• SAIL AREA:
• Main: 133 square feet / 12 square meters
• Jib: 65 square feet / 6 square meters
• Spinnaker: 319 square feet / 30 square meters

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