Scows Cleared for Takeoff

MELGES Scow

June 25, 2020

Melges has signed on as the North American dealer for Skeeta Foiling Craft based in Australia. The singlehanded foiling scows represent the latest developments in foiling technology.

The Skeeta and Nikki are singlehanded foiling crafts built by Jim and David French in Melbourne, AUS. The design’s stability and ease are further enhanced by the performance and durability of the wings and aluminum foils.

Harry Melges III traveled to Lake Garda to test sail the Skeeta himself before agreeing to become a dealer. “We’ve always believed there’s a lot of merit to the scow shape as a foiling platform,” said Melges. “As the sailing world sets its sights on the future of foiling, it has become increasingly important to offer a craft that makes this new form of sailing more accessible for the masses.”

“Our mission is to create more sailors who get hooked on the sport with sailboats that evoke passion and create lifelong sailors. The Skeeta and Nikki are great platforms to do just that. Big kudos to Jim and David French for developing such amazing craft at affordable price points.”

Skeeta PortraitThe Skeeta and Nikki are suited to sailors of all levels: from beginners to professionals. Both foiling crafts are fun and capable of sailing in all safe wind ranges. The hull is simple, robust, unsinkable, and quick to rig.

The Skeeta’s hull shape has been optimized for displacement sailing and foiling after years of development. Add the foils and the boats become a highly-developed, but forgiving, flying machine with amazing performance. Sailors can easily increase or reduce the foiling ride-height to the desired level.

First introduced in 2019, the Nikki is specifically designed for kids and lighter weight sailors. The Nikki comes standard with a variety of safety features on top of its stable platform to make foiling safe and fun! Introduce your child to foiling and hook them on sailing for life!

The Skeeta and Nikki come pre-assembled and ready to hit the water out of the box. All foiling systems are pre-set. Rig up in 15 minutes and go sailing! Introductory pricing is available for the first shipment of boats.

{videobox}https://youtu.be/lUo6JHIaFRY{/videobox}

Related Articles


Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More


Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More