Introducing 2019 Melges 24 European Sailing Series - Exciting season ahead!

The Melges 24 fleet heading to the upwind mark on Lake Maggiore © Piret Salmistu

With just a few days to go before the beginning of spring, it's already time to think about the upcoming sailing season and the Melges 24 fleet is excited to get back to the water in Europe, for a season that will be one of the most exciting of the latest years.

Four events plus the Melges 24 World Championship, that will be hosted in the stunning location of Villasimius, one of the most iconic touristic destinations of Sardinia, famous for its clear waters and blue skies. Villasimius which benefits from a typical Mediterranean climate, will welcome sailors from all over the World in the still warm month of October, from the 5th to 12th.

The opening of the 2019 Melges 24 European Sailing Series will be sailed on April 5th to 7th in Portoroz, Slovenia - a must-go location for the Melges 24 fleet, and that is getting ready to host the 2020 Europeans.

Preparations are already under way and the hosting Yacht Club Marina Portoroz is delighted to welcome again the Melges 24 fleet, as it is possible to understand from the words of the event manager, Branko Parunov: "We are delighted to host the opening act and bring great entertainment for public spectators on our shores. For us this edition represents the start of building-up towards the Melges 24 European Championship that will be held here next year. I hope sailors will seize the opportunity to learn more about the 2020 Europeans venue and come here in record numbers. The first Early Bird entry fee deadline is on March 1st already so take advantage of it and sign up for the regatta already today!".

Click here for Notice of Race, Registration and the details of the season opener in Portoroz

The inaugural event will be followed by two events on Garda Lake that, with the legs of Malcesine (May 3-5) and Riva del Garda (June 7-9) will entertain the fleets with challenging conditions with the typical winds of the Lake, Ponale in the morning and Ora in the afternoon. The fourth event will bring the Melges 24 fleet more South to Scarlino (July 19-21), where the Melges 24 Italian champions 2019 will be found out.

The winners of the 2019 Melges 24 European Sailing Series will be determined on the main podium of the World Championship in Villasimius right before the new Melges 24 world champions will be crowned in the same place.

International Melges 24 Class Association together with the Slovenian and Italian Melges 24 Class Associations are working hard to deliver great events to all the participants. Events will be hosted by the experienced organizers - Yacht Club Marina Portoroz, Fraglia Vela Malcesine, Fraglia Vela Riva, Club Nautico Scarlino and Lega Navale Italiana.

Updates and details on the pre-Worlds in Villasimius (September 20-22), storage options and logistics, especially for the Worlds to and from Sardinia will be released soon. Stay tuned!

More information about the event and series available at melges24.com/europeansailingseries.