Melges: The Wizard of Zenda
Geneva Lake Sailing School fundraiser
Introduced by Executive Producer Anne Peterson
This event is a freewill donation event, proceeds go to the Geneva Lake Sailing School.
Melges: The Wizard of Zenda is a documentary film about one of the greatest sailors of our time. With unlimited access to behind-the-scenes archival footage, this sports biography captures the UNTOLD story of Buddy Melges,a tenacious competitor with a fiery attitude and the winning record to back it up.
You’ll hear from fellow world class sailors and competitors, like America’s Cup champion and former ESPN sailing analyst Gary Jobson; three-time champion Dennis Conner, the sailor they call ‘Mr. America’s Cup’; John Bertrand, the Australian skipper who shocked the world by breaking the 132-year U.S. winning streak; and Bill Koch, the billionaire yachtsman who partnered with Buddy to chase the cup in 1992.
This feature length documentary takes you beyond the headlines to explore Buddy’s extraordinary life. With interviews, archival film footage and video gathered across five decades, you’ll learn about a sailor from a working-class family in southern Wisconsin who built a resume of winning that made him one of the greatest sailors of all time.
Whether art or science, Buddy was a fierce competitor who shared what he learned with anyone willing to take the time to ask. His legendary career seems almost mystical andearned him the well-deserved nickname:The Wizard of Zenda.
ANNE PETERSON is an experienced journalist, producer and filmmaker who has spent her life telling stories and helping others by championing their causes. She started as a TV news anchor, reporter and on-air personality. A 25-year news veteran, Anne has been honored with many industry awards including three Emmy nominations and a Telly award.