Harry "Buddy" Melges, Jr., is one of the most successful competitive sailors in history, with dozens of national and international championships in many different classes. Melges is an Olympic gold (Soling , 1972) and bronze (Flying Dutchman, 1964) medalist, a two-time Star world champion (1978, 1979), a three-time 5.5 Meter World Champion (1967, 1973, 1983), a five-time E-Scow National Champion (1965, 1969, 1978, 1979, 1983), a seven-time Skeeter Ice Boat World Champion (1955, 1957, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1980, 1981), and a three-time Yachtsman of the Year. As a capstone to his competitive career, he helped 'Bill Koch steer his America3 to a successful defense of the America's Cup in 1992.

Born January 26, 1930, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Melges grew up on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin sailing the boats designed and manufactured by his father, Harry Melges Sr. Based in Zenda, Wisconsin , Melges Boat Works is still in operation, and is now run by Buddy's son, Harry Melges III. Their Melges 24 , introduced in 1993, became one of the most successful launches in boatbuilding history, and today Melges Boat Works is the only builder of many inland lake scow classes, including the A, E, C, M, and MC.

Known internationally as "The Wizard of Zenda," Melges still lectures and teaches across the United States. He is currently a member of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club , Chicago Yacht Club , Columbia Yacht Club , Milwaukee Yacht Club , San Diego Yacht Club , South Shore Milwaukee Yacht Club , Texas Corinthian Yacht Club and Little Traverse Bay Yacht Club .