The Wizard of Zenda: A Sailing Legend's Documentary Review

Melges: The Wizard of Zenda. Photo © 1992 Uhl Studios Hawaii – Uhlstudioshawaii.com

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In the spirit of honesty, I admit to not being familiar with the beloved American sailing champion Buddy Melges before watching this documentary but in my experience, that has added to the impact of this film. Mark Honer has crafted a remarkable journey through the life and career of an extraordinary sailing icon. Simply, Melges was a man so in love with sailing, speed and competition, so naturally attuned to the wind and the sea, that he dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence and became one of the most accomplished sailors of all time.

The film's narrative centres around the pinnacle of Megle’s yachting success — the 1992 America's Cup with behind-the-scenes archival footage from the America3 campaign. Build up to this epic event is woven between past and present, with visual material from Melges' early life, family, career and his enduring impact on the sailing community. Collectively, the archival footage is terrific (the ice boats are great!) and following national titles, Olympic medals and world championships, it soon becomes clear how driven Melges is and why he’s such a legend within the sailing world. 

Photo © William I. Koch and Maritime Productions LLC

The documentary features interviews with sailing luminaries such as Dennis Conner, John Bertrand, and Gary Jobson who each convey absolute respect for Meagles. Additionally, billionaire businessman Bill Koch, Melges' campaign partner and co-helmsman (along with David Dellenbaugh) in the 1992 America's Cup, provides frank and honest insights into their extraordinary collaboration.

It’s well known that the America’s cup is a playground for the uber wealthy, with the sailing sport driven by money thrown into the best technology to develop the fastest boats (Kosh invested $67million alone on their campaign). However, Honer beautifully conveys the message that “boat speed is science, sailing is an art” and emphasises Melges' ability to work with nature to get the best out of any boat under pressure.

Described by sailing colleagues as “always on the attack”, with a “win, focus, killer instinct”, Megles’ relentless competitiveness, toughness on crew and pursuit of excellence onboard is recounted by those who knew him. Megles admits “Sometimes it helps me to be fired up, my tactics are better”. Yet this intensity is balanced throughout the film with insight into his childhood, family, and his connection to and love of the outdoors. Off the boat he’s gentler, and there’s sheer delight as he watches his grandson (a champion sailor in his own right) sailing a 49’er at great speeds. 

Buddy shares his appreciation of nature and tuning in to read the environment, reflecting “Now sensitivity to Mother Nature, there’s so many things…you use your ears to hear the water going by the hull, that’s important. Being able to look and camber a sail for the particular wind velocity, ability to point closer to the eye of the wind, and then being able to work the waves. I mean you’re like to sail the wave up and sail the wave down.”

It’s notable that his early years spent on the lakes in Wisconsin — duck hunting, sailing and ice boating all the while observing and being part of the weather shaped a ‘sixth sense’ to spot wind shifts — a foresight which became legendary. It was this ability to read and feel the wind, coupled with his home base in Zenda, WI that earned him the moniker 'Wizard of Zenda'. 

Buddy Melges reflects on his life and sailing career

There are amusing moments throughout the film, as Megles can’t help but share his knowledge and support for local sailing communities — even so far as handing out lists of performance improvements! It’s heartwarming to hear young sailors and seasoned legends alike warmly acknowledge his generous mentorship and friendship over the years. In 2015 he was inducted into the World Sailing hall of Fame.

Despite his achievements, Megles remains humble. Still sailing at 93, he dismisses the notion of a legacy, emphasising his simple mantra of “You start first, sail out in front, increase your lead, and you always sail around on a starboard tack”.

There’s no doubt that on the water, Buddy loved being the ‘quickliest’ of them all.

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Harry Clemons "Buddy" Melges Jr. passed away in May 2023.

Melges: Wizard of Zenda is due for public release in Spring 2024. Keep up to date with streaming information on at the official website or check back with SWJ for updates.

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