After more than 80 years of family leadership, Melges Performance Sailboats has been sold.
The brand, founded by Harry C. Melges, has been acquired by Cate Muller-Terhune and Allan Terhune Jr.
Melges Performance Sailboats has built a wide range of boats over the decades, from championship-winning scows to the lineup of Melges sportboats, with the company saying the transition of ownership reflects both a celebration of the Melges family legacy and a bold step forward.
Cate and Allan Terhune bring extensive experience to the company. Both are lifelong sailors, industry leaders, and class advocates.
Leadership positions
Cate is an accomplished sailor and businesswoman in her own right. She began her marketing career in the sailing industry, and later went on to handle marketing and business development for her family’s architecture firm.
She has spent the last four years as president, aiding and overseeing the firm’s growth.
In her sailing life, she serves in leadership positions with the J/70 Class, Storm Trysail Club, and is a founding member of Spectrum Sailing.
Allan has a background in competitive and professional sailing, as well as sail development and design.
We are excited to carry on this incredible legacy and join an amazing team.
Cate and Allan
He is a three-time world champion and Pan-American Games gold medalist, and has led North Sails’ North American One-Design division since 2007, while earning 14 national and continental titles of his own.
He is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, and has been recognised with US Sailing’s One Design Leadership Award and is a three-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year finalist.
“Melges has always been about more than boats. It’s about the people, competition, and community,” said Cate and Allan in a joint statement.
“We are humbled that Harry has entrusted us with taking the next leap towards an amazing future.
Innovate and inspire
“We are excited to carry on this incredible legacy and join an amazing team that is expanding opportunities for sailors everywhere to experience the joy and excellence that the Melges brand represents.”
Harry Melges III added: “Our family has dedicated generations to building Melges into what it is today.
“We know the Terhunes will honour that history while continuing to innovate and inspire the sailing world.”
Melges Performance Sailboats will remain headquartered in Zenda, Wisconsin.
I see this as the beginning of a new chapter.
Andy Burdick
In addition, the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida, will continue to operate as a hub for racing, education, and community building.
Andy Burdick will continue as Melges president, and Harry Melges III will remain with the company in his new role as board member.
“We are excited to join forces with Cate and Allan, whose vision and values align closely with our own,” said Andy.
“We’ve done some incredible work over my 40 years at Melges.
“I see this as the beginning of a new chapter — one that will allow us to accelerate growth, strengthen our capabilities, and continue to deliver exceptional value to the sailing community.”
