Film “Lessons From the Wizard” Highlights Buddy Melges’s Character and Attitude
With the help of the Schoonmaker Foundation, Quicklier Films has released a second film chronicling the incredible sailing career of Buddy Melges. The film “Lessons from the Wizard” is free to sailing schools to license and share in their programs. It’s a cut-down version of the full-length film, “The Wizard of Zenda,” which has enjoyed wide acclaim since its debut two years ago. The new film features all new segments that highlight some of the things about character and attitude that Buddy was so passionate about.
Annapolis sailor, sailing commentator, and America’s Cup winner, Gary Jobson, who has sailed with and against Melges helps pull the various beliefs that he held into a cohesive list of principles upon which to build a successful sailing career and a meaningful life.
“Buddy Melges is one of the greatest American racing sailors of our era. He built his career on clever tactical and boat handling techniques and endless practice routines, and he had a relentless quest to find innovative ways to sail faster. Buddy’s lessons outlined in the new film will help every sailor improve their performance. Mark Honer and Anne Petersen are to be commended for producing this inspiring film.”
Drawing upon an unparalleled lifetime of sailing achievements, the producers use real life examples from Buddy’s sailing resume to illustrate his eight true-life lessons.
During the America’s Cup campaign of 1992 Buddy’s sailing credo was put to the test as he and Bill Koch butted heads on a number of issues. Koch was all about technology. Buddy was more of a seat-of-the-pants sailor. The two came to words during the run up to the campaign but eventually reached a happy compromise with them coming together to build the kind of team that could win the Cup.
In the end it was Buddy’s commitment to sailing fair and treating his competitors as one would want to be treated that carried the day for the US Team. Buddy called the victory of America3 “his greatest achievement.” This and other Melges milestones are portrayed in the 50-minute film.
In addition to his unwavering commitment to fair sailing and sportsmanship, other Melges lessons include leading with humility, putting the team first, embracing technology, sharing what you learn, listening to Mother Nature, learning from your losses, and learning by competing.
Executive producer and broadcast journalist Anne Peterson was inspired to pursue this deep dive into the Melges legacy. “Buddy taught me so much about sailing and about life. We just had to put together a cohesive look at how others could apply his lessons to their own circumstances,” says Peterson, who grew up sailing under Buddy’s tutelage on Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva.
Sailing schools, non-profits, and yachts clubs can request a free license for “Lessons from the Wizard” at wizardofzenda.com or by emailing the producers at [email protected]. The feature length documentary, “Melges: The Wizard of Zenda,” is available for rental or purchase and in-person or virtual screenings.
~By Craig Ligibel
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