First IC37 Launched and Sailing
The first Melges IC37 arrived at New England Boatworks last Monday, and was out sailing on Tuesday afternoon after the team fitted the keel, rudder and rig. The development group, including Harry Melges, Kenny Read and designer Mark Mills, representatives from Harken, Spinlock and Southern Spars, and NYYC members onboard, sailed #001 for three days in winds between 6 and 20 knots. Ken Read enthusiastically called the first sail “Really amazing; the boat feels good!” In perfect Newport spring conditions, the assembly and sea trials went as smoothly as could be wished for.
Mills Design is based in Ireland, but founder and designer Mark Mills is from San Francisco. He grew up sailing on S.F. Bay, raced Olson 30s, and sailed a Moore 24 out of Richmond.
The IC37s are being built by Westerly Marine in Santa Ana, a manufacturer of custom performance monohulls and catamarans. The company is owned and run by Steve Lee and Lynn Bowser. Twenty boats are planned for NYYC, plus 10 more for the West Coast. For more info, see our Sightings piece in the February issue of Latitude 38.