Melges 17

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The Melges 17" is the latest addition to the Melges Performance Sailboats family of high performance, one design products. Professionally designed by Reichel/Pugh exclusively for Melges, all 17 feet of this streamlined racer is geared for speed. From its supermodel profile to a standard set of high-tech, Kevlar® sails by North, this ride is where sophisticated ideas and excellence in boat building converge.

Built to handle a crew of two comfortably and competitively, the M17" incorporates some of the most innovative sailboat engineering concepts. It is built utilizing Melges' M-preg" laminating process making for a durable, fit and trim hull that weighs 300 lbs. The spar, made of carbon fiber material, weighs only 16 lbs! A very special feature of the new Melges 17 is the exclusive Melges Hands Free Kite System" (HFKS). One control line hoists the asymmetrical spinnaker, the bow sprit extends and you're off! To take the kite down, pull the douse control line and the kite collapses into the boat, the bow sprit retracts.. upwind you go! Other unique features include a roller furling Kevlar® jib with recessed roller furler, self-stepping mast design and new wave foil bilge boards that are aluminum extrusions ensuring the M17 tracks like a dream! This boat truly offers the best of both worlds .. guaranteed edge-of-your-seat racing excitement, equipped with all the modern conveniences of Melges know-how.

A few short weeks following the launch of the Melges 17, the very first National Championship was announced to take place in White Lake, Michigan on August 27-28, 2005, an immediate indication of the future popularity of this brand new Scow.

AP+ MAINSAIL With the high speeds that are attained on the Melges 17, our mainsail has a flat profile with super light carbon/kevlar material. The Melges 17 Mainsail features a high aspect roach for more sail area and 5 full length adjustable RBS battens for the ultimate in stability and performance. This sail has similar traits to that of windsurfing sail where weight savings and a flatter profile are must when attempting to maintain a high levels of speed. NEW FOR 2008! Our 2008 mainsail features new Aramid cloth that is lighter, stronger and more durable than what has been used in past seasons. The same fast shape combined with the latest high performance cloth that is made exclusively for North Sails means there will be no “copycats” on our success. North Melges 17 Mainsails include: Full length adjustable RBS performance battens Enhance vision window Leech telltales Waterproof, personalized sailbag Choice of colored numbers (red, blue, green, black) Country code for international racing Spectra leech and foot cords Stainless Cunningham and outhaul grommets

AP+ JIB The most important quality in considering the Melges 17 jib is durability while maintaining elements of speed. The Melges 17 jib has the optimum mix of a long life span while delivering the desired performance to really make the Melges 17 go. Designed to provide the most height while maintaining boat speed, the Melges 17 jib also lives up the rigors of furling and unfurling while sailing. There is nothing worse than a headsail that does not furl cleanly while racing. The Melges 17 jib has a fast, streamlined shape while racing, and the vertical battens and smooth profile allow for very clean furling and unfurling. NEW FOR 2008! The North Sails 2008 AP+ Jib also features new style cloth which will provide for a lighter and more durable sail without sacrificing the elements of speed. This latest version of the Melges 17 Jib is the best yet, making it impossible to use anything other than North if you are looking to succeed. North Melges 17 Jibs include: RBS Tapered Battens Leech telltales and ultra-lite luff telltales Spectra leech and foot cords 8 plait luff control line Enhanced vision window Harken Carbo Bullet blocks attached to clew

AP ASYMMETRICAL SPINNAKER In Melges 17 racing, every second counts when it comes to hoisting, dousing and gibing the spinnaker. The best feature about our Melges 17 spinnaker is the silicone based Dynalite fabric that is used in its construction. This slippery material allows for huge time savings while hoisting, dousing and gybing, simply a must if you want to survive in the front of a Melges 17 race. Another bonus of the Dynalite material is that it proctects very well against dirt, mildew and other foreign substances from damaging your sail. Along with our exclusive Dynalite material, we have developed the best possible shape for the Melges 17 that features a nice full profile which allows for the ultimate in downwind performance. When it comes to making sure you are on the leading edge of Melges 17 racing, there is no other choice than North Sails. North Melges 17 Spinnakers include: Dynalite material used in construction Reinforced “Belly” patched for retrieval line Durable head, clew and tack patches Spectra luff line for tension adjustment Spinnaker color selection – (Blue, Red, White, Green, Black, Hot Green, Hot Yellow)

For more information on Melges 17 sails, contact the North Melges 17 experts.

Click here to download the 2006 Melges Racing Magazine (2 Mb PDF file)