McConaghy Boats in China to build the Melges 20™

by Andy Burdick on 13 Mar 2008 Melges Performance Sailboats has chosen McConaghy Boats in China to build the Melges 20™.

'The team of Melges and Reichel Pugh Yacht Design is a proven, winning combination many times over. Adding McConaghy Boats to the team will ensure the Melges 20 is a worldwide success,' said Harry Melges, CEO of Melges Performance Sailboats. 'This is a strong, long-term alliance that will deliver the greatest sailing products available.'

'McConaghy shares our passion for providing products and services of superior quality at a fair price to our customers.' Melges continued, 'Their experience with high-tech construction techniques and materials is second to none. They clearly have the ability to source all components at one facility and capacity to produce for the world market, enabling the absolute 'one design' concept to be manufactured with strict tolerance. This is also the perfect location to build and further introduce our brand and products into the growing Asian sailing market.'

McConaghy Boats (www.mcconaghyboats.com) is recognized as one of the most prestigious international boat builders. They are a world leader in advanced, high-technology yacht building, constantly innovating, applying expertise to composite construction and numerous components. 'Wild Oats XI', 'Alfa Romeo 1' and '2' as well as 'Morning Glory' are among their most notable success stories as well as supplying 80% of America's Cup syndicates (including 'Alinghi') with complete steering systems and unique wheel designs.

'We are really excited about having been selected to build the Melges 20 at our China facility,' said Mark Evans, one of McConaghy’s two prominent managing partners. 'This is a wonderful, new opportunity for us. We look forward to bringing our brand of quality and workmanship to the team of Melges and Reichel Pugh all in the interest of making the Melges 20 a total international success.'

Designed by Reichel Pugh Yacht Design based in San Diego, Calif., USA the Melges 20 has generated a great deal of attention since its introduction in the Fall of 2007.