Fittings and Tuning Guide for the Melges 15
The Melges 15 is quickly becoming a popular dinghy class worldwide. It was designed to be both accessible and exciting, offering a stable platform for learning while also delivering high-performance racing for more experienced sailors. The boat is responsive, fast, and simple to rig, which makes it a favourite among sailors of all levels.
If you are looking to upgrade or replace the hardware on your Melges 15, it helps to know exactly which fittings you need and what their role is on the boat. Below is a breakdown of the fittings used across the major systems, based on a complete Allen Brothers fit-out, along with some tips on upgrades. After that, you will also find a clear summary of tuning advice to help you get the most from your rig and sails.
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Pre-made Packs
We also offer a range of convenient pre-made packs, designed to take the hassle out of upgrading your boat. Each pack includes all the ropes and specific fittings required for a particular system, so you can simply choose the setup you want to improve and get everything you need in one go. It’s the quickest and easiest way to refresh your rigging and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Fittings Guide
Mainsheet System
The mainsheet system uses a 3:1 purchase, which keeps the sheet feeling relatively light when trimming. The trade-off, however, is that the additional blocks introduce extra friction into the system. For this reason it is essential that your blocks run freely, particularly in lighter winds. Upgrading to high-load blocks will help minimise friction and ensure the sheet moves smoothly, giving you more precise control.
Boom Blocks (x3): A2030 – 30mm Dynamic Block. A2030HL – 30mm Dynamic High Load Block. Each is fitted to the three loops along the boom. Alternative upgraded fitting: A2030HL – 30mm Dynamic High Load Block.
Rear Bridal Block (x1): A20401S – 40m Dynamic Strap Block. This block is ideal for the standard twin strop set-up. If you prefer to have a single adjustable bridal, then use the A2040Tii – 40mm Dynamic Tii-On Block.
Ratchet Block (x1): A2160 – 60mm Pro-Ratchet. This block gives an excellent amount of grip on the mainsheet, making trimming easy. It can also be turned off in light winds to allow the sheet to run out more freely.
Mainsheet Cleats (x2): A.676 – Medium Allenite Cam Cleats. One is mounted on either side of the deck.
Jib Sheet System
The 2:1 jib sheet system makes trimming much easier for the crew, but it also means that over-trimming can happen very easily. Since the jib requires constant adjustment, holding the sheet for extended periods can quickly become tiring. Upgrading the ratchet blocks in this system is therefore highly beneficial. An AutoRatchet is strongly recommended, as it allows the sheet to run freely through tacks and gybes while still giving you the holding power you need when trimming.
Ratchet Blocks (x2): A2345 – 45mm AutoRatchet. We have found that the plastic sheave on this ratchet block offers the right amount of grip for the lower-loaded jib sheet. Should you wish to increase the holding power further, you can upgrade to the aluminium sheaved version A2345A.
Clew Blocks (x2): A2030Tii – 30mm Dynamic Tii-On Blocks. Using soft-attachment blocks at the clew helps reduce weight on the sail and eliminates the heavy metal shackle that often bangs against the mast during tacks and gybes. If you prefer to stick with a more traditional loop and shackle setup, the A2030 paired with the A-622105 shackle is a good alternative.
Jib Sheet Cleats (x2): A.676 – Medium Allenite Cam Cleats. One is mounted on either side of the deck.
Jib Halyard System
Halyard Hook (x1): A2020SHK – 20mm Dynamic Swivel Hook Block. Replacing the standard hooks (A4869K) with this all-in-one hook and block greatly reduces friction in the fine-tune halyard system. The result is a smoother system that makes small adjustments to halyard tension far easier and more precise.
Mast Mounted Block (x1): A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Single Block. This block is fitted to the lacing eye, which is riveted to the mast just below the gooseneck.
Mast Mounted Clamcleat (x1): CL211 Mk2S2AN – Racing Junior Clamcleat With Becket.
Tack and Halyard Shackle (x2): A-621104 – 4mm D Shackle. The same size shackle is used to attach both the jib halyard to the head of the sail and the tack of the jib to the bow bar fitting. You can also use a dog bone or ball stopper to attach the jib halyard to the head of the jib.
Main Halyard System
Halyard Hook (x1): A2020SHK – 20mm Dynamic Swivel Hook Block. Replacing the standard hooks (A4869K) with this all-in-one hook and block greatly reduces friction in the fine-tune halyard system. The result is a smoother system that makes small adjustments to halyard tension far easier and more precise.
Mast Mounted Block (x1): A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Single Block. This block is fitted to the lacing eye, which is riveted to the mast just below the gooseneck.
Mast Mounted Clamcleat (x1): CL211 Mk2S2AN – Racing Junior Clamcleat With Becket.
Halyard Attachment (x1): A9604 – 4mm Tii-Bone. The Tii-Bone is a neat soft attachment accessory, ideal for splicing into your main halyard to make attaching the halyard to the head of the sail nice and easy. Follow the link above to find out how. If you prefer a simple ball stopper, check out our range here.
Spinnaker Halyard System
The spinnaker hoist and retrieval system uses a ball bearing cam cleat paired with a small Allenite fairlead. Aluminium thimbles keep the halyard running cleanly, and multiple blocks ensure smooth hoists and gybes. Upgrading the blocks in this system will make your crew very happy, as hoists and drops will be a whole lot easier!
Halyard Cam Cleat (x1): A..77 – Ball Bearing Cam Cleat Small. This cleat should be mounted on a raiser (A.193) to help the halyard run cleanly and to provide enough space for uncleating when dropping the sail. It should also be paired with an A4665-LOW to ensure the line feeds directly into the cleat. In addition, an A.488 is required to prevent the halyard from lifting up and over the cam cleat jaws.
Halyard Uphaul Block (x1): A2030LZ – 30mm Dynamic Stand-Up Block. Mounted rear of the halyard cleat, from which you pull the halyard when hoisting.
Back to Back Block (x1): A2038 – 30mm Dynamic Back to Back Block. This block reduces the overall length between the two sheaves, creating a more compact and efficient system. For those looking to optimise performance further, upgrading to the high-load version (A2038HL) will cut down on friction even more and make the system run more smoothly.
Bow Halyard Block (x1): A2030SC – 30mm Dynamic Swivel Block. Shackled to the lacing eye under the spinnaker bag, which is also used to tie the spinnaker pole down. Using a swivel block allows the rope to align more effectively.
Take Down Block (x1): A2030SC – 30mm Dynamic Swivel Block. Paired with a spring (A4034) to help keep it upright and shackled to the lacing eye behind the spinnaker bag.
Halyard Take Up Thimble (x1): A..87-25 – 25mm Aluminium Thimble. The halyard runs around this thimble, which is connected to an elastic take-up system. This keeps the halyard taut and prevents it from snagging during hoists and drops. The system can be improved further by switching to an A2020 dynamic block, which allows the halyard to run even more smoothly.
Rear Take Up Block (x1): A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Single Block. Mounted to the rear of the boat on a lacing eye. Elastic runs around this block for the take-up system.
Forward Take Up Block (x1): A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Single Block. Tied to the mainsheet ratchet block lacing eye. Elastic runs around this block for the take-up system.
Spinnaker Sheet System
Spinnaker Ratchet Blocks (x2): A2345A – 45mm AutoRatchet With Ali Sheave. We have found that the aluminium sheave on this ratchet block provides just the right amount of grip for the higher-loaded spinnaker sheet. The AutoRatchet mechanism allows the ratchet to turn off during a gybe, helping the sheet run out when you are pulling in the new sheet.
Vang Purchase System
The vang is one of the most important controls on the Melges 15. It allows you to depower the mainsail in stronger winds and gives you a high level of control over mainsail power when sailing downwind. Because this system carries significant loads, it is essential that the blocks are both strong and capable of running smoothly under pressure.
Boom Tack Mounted Block (x1): A2020HL – 20mm High Load Dynamic Block. This is a really simple upgrade to make. The block is mounted to the tack end of the boom via a clevis pin.
Vang Double ‘Floating’ Block (x1): A2022Tii – 20mm Dynamic Double Tii-On Block. If you are upgrading your vang system, splicing directly to a Tii-On block offers the neatest and strongest solution. If you prefer to use a standard loop, the A2022 is a good alternative. For even greater strength and smoother performance, you can upgrade to the high-load versions of either block: the A2022TiiHL or the A2022HL.
Vang Flip Flop Block (x1): A4988X – Lightweight Flip Flop Cleat. This is a suitable alternative to the standard fitted option. However, you may need to make new fixing holes to fit this product, so we suggest this is only undertaken by confident and skilled people.
Outhaul
External Boom Block (x1): A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Single Block. Mounted to the underside of the boom via a lacing eye.
Internal Boom Block (x1): A2020 – 20mm Dynamic Single Block.
Boom Clamcleat (x1): CL211 Mk2S2AN – Racing Junior Clamcleat With Becket.
Boat Breaker / Forestay Tensioner
Top Block (x1): A2024 – 20mm Dynamic Triple Block. You can make your life easier by upgrading to the 30mm version A2034.
Bottom Block With Cleat (x1): A2025-677 – 20mm Dynamic Triple Block With Cam Cleat. You can make your life easier by upgrading to the 30mm version A2035-676.
Shackles for Attachment (x3): A-621104 – 4mm D Shackle.
Melges 15 Tuning Guide – Essentials
Initial Setup
Turnbuckles: Clean, lubricate, and check that the threaded studs are even. Leave about half an inch of exposed thread on each side.
Mast stepping: Step the mast carefully—ensure pins, halyards, shrouds, and spreaders are all checked for wear and correctly positioned. Once upright, tension the rig and attach the forestay.
Basic Rig Settings
Headstay Tension: With sidestays tightened evenly, aim for 220 lb (Loos gauge reading ~20) as a good all-purpose baseline. Use the jib halyard to centre the mast across the boat for fine-tuning.
Spreaders (Rake & Alignment):
Rake is preset to approximately 135 mm (5 5/16 inches).
To check alignment, measure inside the mast track to the spreader tip (should read 396 mm). Across-spreader tip to tip should be about 755 mm. These are good, fast settings in most conditions. Tips should be set fully inboard, as per the factory setup.
Sidestay Tension:
Over 15 knots, increase tension to around 300 lb (Loos ~24) to keep the rig firm.
Wind-Speed Tuning Chart:
| Wind Speed | Loos Gauge | Tension (lb) |
| 0–6 knots | 17 | 175 lb |
| 6–10 knots | 19 | 200 lb |
| 10–14 knots | 21 | 240 lb |
| 15+ knots | 24 | 300 lb |
Use this as a handy, quick reference when adjusting rig tension for changing conditions.
MORE FITTING GUIDES