New Melges 20 first hull photos released
by Sail-world.com/uk on 30 Apr 2008
Melges 20 hull bow International Melges Class Association
http://www.melges32.com/
Melges Performance Sailboats have lifted the very first Melges 20 hull from the mould and it is well on its way to the next step in production. This latest Melges keelboat joins the ground breaking 24 and its bigger sister boat the 30. In the UK this latest Melges product will face comparison with the Laser SB3, which has swept the planing keelboat market over the last couple of years.
The all new Melges 20 delivers a sleek, sophisticated looking hull shape that is sharp, clean and modern looking - what they describe as - the epitome of less is more.
Intended to be sailed with 2 to 4 crew, there are no crew weight restrictions and no sailmaker restrictions. The boat and rig will be a strict one design.
McConaghy Boats in China is building the Melges 20™, with Reichel Pugh drawing the lines - described by Harry Melges, CEO of Melges Performance Sailboats - as ensuring that this boat will be advanced in every respect, high quality, innovative, designed to the very core and fun. It will be beautiful, a cinch to sail, rig and comfortable.
Some Melges 20 Design Features.
Large comfortable cockpit with simple to sail deck layout
No Winches!
Enclosed interior with access while sailing
High freeboard for a dry ride
Flat stable aft planing hull sections
Fine bow entry for upwind performance
Carbon fiber 'M' rig setup for the ultimate performance, simple to tune
Above boom vang system
Carbon fiber bowsprit
Retractable high aspect keel with weed cutter
Square top mainsail design for ultimate performance and modern appearance
Roller furling zipper luff jib with battens
Permanent forestay
Mast head asymmetrical spinnaker with retrieval line
Custom trailing package that is easy to tow behind any vehicle
Easy to rig, launch and retrieve from a boat ramp
Easy to launch from a hoist with a single point lift
Main sheet bridle system
No backstay
Legs in with restricted hiking - No crew weight rule
Motor well in deck for motor stowage and easy access
Open to all sailmakers
No fairing – a strict one design!
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