Jeff Ecklund and his team aboard his Melges 32 STAR (above) stayed in the top ten of the 27-boat class at Acura Key West Race Week 2008 in every race but one to finish two points ahead of second place boat New Wave. Ecklund works very closely with Harry Melges of North Sails and Melges Performance Boats to keep his boat near the top of the leader board. Star races with all North sails including 3DL Carbon mainsail and headsails and V-Series downwind sails.

We're like brothers," Ecklund says of Melges, with whom he has been sailing for 15 years. "The whole group at North Sails in Zenda, WI, is open and forthright with their information and they are very helpful with me and with other teams. They are always full of good quality information from North on the trends and they recommend the best types of sails for every Melges 32. They are very good to work with."

"Zenda and Melges Performance Boats have created a good base for this class to become extremely successful," continued Ecklund. "We are seeing that with strong teams like Pegasus and Pinta and Claudio Recchi on Let's Roll. These guys are multiple world champions in various classes, and we have more big teams coming. The (Melges 32) class is getting as competitive as Farr 40s thanks to a good boat with good class structure. Some real strength will come from Europe, where they have 20 boats in their summer circuit. Typically we also have 20 boats here in the US at big events and nearly half of them were here in Key West this year."

The North Sails Class Development Program (CDP) has been heavily involved in the Melges 32 class since its inception in 2005. We are continually racing these boats, testing our sails and making improvements that keep us the fastest on the water. North Sails does more testing and development in the Melges 32 than all other sailmakers combined.

CDP Melges 32 sails are made with the most advanced materials and manufacturing technology in the industry. We also work together with Southern Spars and Melges Performance Boatworks to create the best sails for your complete Melges 32 package. CDP sails are not only at the top of the class; they are the most popular sails in the class. Wherever you may stand in the fleet, the CDP has compiled expert tuning tips to optimize your sails, boat and crew so that you can get those extra points that make the difference.

Harry Melges (left, top) and Daniele Cassinari (left, bottom) are the Melges 32 Class Leaders for the Class Development Program (CDP). Both Harry and Daniele are experienced Melges 32 specialists, and they can make your boat faster and more fun!

Harry is your American Melges 32 Class Leader, and Daniele is your European Class Leader. Browse through the website and if you have any questions feel free to email Harry or Daniele. They can also help you find your local Melges 32 expert, so contact Harry or Daniele today!