Buddy Melges facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Buddy Melges

Melges in 1992
Personal information
Born	(1930-01-26)January 26, 1930 Elkhorn, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	May 18, 2023(2023-05-18) (aged 93) Fontana, Wisconsin, U.S.
Medal record Sailing Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1972 Munich Soling Bronze 1964 Tokyo Flying Dutchman Pan American Games Gold 1967 Winnipeg Flying Dutchman

Harry C. "Buddy" Melges Jr. (born January 26, 1930 – died May 18, 2023) was a famous American sailor. He won many championships in different types of sailing. This included both regular boat sailing and ice-boating. Many people think he was one of the best racing sailors ever.

Early Life and Family Business

Buddy Melges was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He grew up near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. From a young age, he sailed boats made by his father, Harry Melges Sr. His family's company, Melges Performance Sailboats, is still making boats today. Buddy's son, Harry Melges III, now runs the business. The company is located in Zenda, Wisconsin.

Buddy Melges' Amazing Sailing Career

Buddy Melges was a very successful sailor. He won medals at the Olympic Games. He earned a gold medal in 1972 in the Soling boat class. He also won a bronze medal in 1964 in the Flying Dutchman class.

World and National Championships

Melges won many world championships. He was a two-time world champion in the Star class. He won these titles in 1978 and 1979. He also won the 5.5 Meter world championship three times. Those wins were in 1967, 1973, and 1983.

He was also a five-time national champion in the E-Scow boat class. These wins happened in 1965, 1969, 1978, 1979, and 1983. Buddy was also a seven-time world champion in skeeter ice boat racing. He won these titles between 1955 and 1981.

America's Cup and Other Honors

Buddy Melges was named Yachtsman of the Year three times. This was in 1961, 1972, and 1978. He also helped the America³ team win the America's Cup in 1992. He was part of the team that successfully defended the cup.

Melges was honored for his great achievements. He was added to the America's Cup Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2002, he joined the Inland Lake Yachting Association Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2011. Buddy Melges was known as the "Grand Master" of yachting. Some even called him "The Wizard of Zenda."

Later Life and Passing

Buddy Melges shared his knowledge with others. He gave talks and taught sailing across the United States. He was a member of many different yacht clubs. Melges passed away at his home in Fontana, Wisconsin. He died on May 18, 2023, when he was 93 years old.