Buddy and Gloria Melges Trophy

The Buddy and Gloria Melges Trophy, established in 2026, honors the memory and achievements of Buddy (1930-2023) and Gloria (1931-2024) Melges and is awarded to the winning skipper of a regularly scheduled race in the Class A Championship Series at Lake Geneva Yacht Club. The trophy celebrates Buddy’s outstanding record in and contributions to Class A and Gloria’s distinguished service in race management as a member of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club Race Committee and as Class A Principal Race Officer. The trophy, donated by Bill and Ellen Bentsen, is an early 20th-century vase, designed and created in sterling silver by Gorham Manufacturing Company in Rhode Island, is to be awarded only in Class A, must retain its name, and may be retired only by the LGYC Executive Committee if Class A no longer races at LGYC. If retired, and with the approval of the Executive Committee, the trophy is to be displayed at Lake Geneva Yacht Club.