Entry open for 2024 Melges 24 Europeans in Split
by International Melges 24 Class Association 29 May 20:11 BST
September 27 - October 4, 2024
Entry open for 2024 Melges 24 Europeans in Split © IM24CA
The 2024 Melges 24 European Championship will arrive at the Sailing Club Split in late September. Entry is now open, and the Notice of Race is published at the event website.
This year's Melges 24 title championship in Europe, scheduled from September 27 to October 4, promises to be thrilling. Its later timing in the season offers a unique opportunity for late-season racing in one of the most captivating Adriatic destinations. A warm-up regatta will also be held over the weekend of September 20-23.
Split, the sailing capital of Croatia, is a prime venue that supports a rapidly expanding and high-standard Melges 24 fleet in the country. The Croatian Melges 24 fleet, which had seven boats by the end of 2020, has seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years, with many renowned sailors opting for these globally popular fast-performance one-design boats. The fleet participates in the Croatian Melges 24 Cup, also called the Croatian "Champions' League." The Croatian Melges 24 Class Association, established in February 2021 with 12 boat owners, has already doubled its size to 24 boats and shows all the signs of further expansion.
Michael Tarabochia, IM24CA Member Europe, owner of the White Room (GER), stated: "We are delighted to support the Croatian national class by hosting the Melges 24 Europeans in Split in September and to reward their strong commitment and growth. The Croatian class has grown the fastest in the world over the last three years, and with its high quality of sailors and enthusiasm for the Melges 24, it has all the ingredients to be a welcome member of our M24 family. The event location, Split, stands for great competence in organizing high-quality sailing events and shows itself in the best southern European flair with all the popular advantages. We are very much looking forward to the Europeans in Split."
In October 2023, Sailing Club Split already hosted the Melges 24 European Sailing Series regatta. This regatta presented an excellent opportunity for all crews to become familiar with the racecourse and weather conditions in the Adriatic and for the club to become more familiar with the Melges 24 fleet and event requirements. During the six races held in various conditions, the highlight of the regatta was the day of big swell, when the solid southern wind churned the sea, making the agile Melges 24 boats surf on the waves. So - be ready to expect it all!
Marko Bertolino, President of the Sailing Club Split, is excited to welcome the international Melges 24 fleet and eagerly awaits the sound of the first starting signal. "It is a great honor for us to host the Melges 24 fleet for both the European Championship and the European Sailing Series regatta, the Split CRO M24 Cup, serving as the Pre-Europeans, at our club. Preparations for these prestigious regattas are well under way, and we are committed to delivering the highest level of organization."
Highlighting the exceptional success story of the Croatian Melges 24 Class, he adds: "We anticipate exceptional sailing on the racecourse and lively festivities ashore at the Club. The Melges 24 class in Croatia is experiencing positive momentum, setting an exemplary standard for top-tier sailing and elevating monoclass sailing to new heights.
"We recognize the vibrant energy and significant impact of the CRO Melges 24 class on the Croatian sailing community. We are dedicated to supporting the Croatian M24 community to ensure they achieve the recognition they deserve. We are also proud to have some of the best Croatian M24 teams competing under our Club's colors."
Ante Cesic, the helmsman on Lukasz Podnesienski's Razjaren, representing Sailing Club Split, is very happy to have the Melges 24 Europeans in his country and his home sailing club. "I am expecting more than 50 teams, so the competition will be great, and we as a team can't wait to start. Knowing our club well, I'm sure you will have a great time on the water as well as on the shore. I invite everybody to come!"
"Hosting the European Championship is simultaneously a great compliment to the work of the Melges 24 class in Croatia and a great obligation given the trust we have received from the members of the IM24CA World Council in choosing Split as the venue of the 2024 Europeans. I am sure that we will have a wonderful event with many Croatian and foreign crews enjoying Split," said Luka Šangulin, passionate owner of Melges 24 Panjic and Chairman of the Croatian Melges 24 Class Association.
Starting with a Practice Race and Opening Ceremony on Sunday, September 28, five days of racing will follow on Kastela Bay and Split Channel from September 30 through October 4, with after-sail hospitality events the club is already famous for. In addition to offering world-class sailing opportunities, the Club is also preparing off-water activities for competitors and spectators alike to truly enjoy the City of Split's beauty.
As anticipation builds for this prestigious event, competitors are encouraged to secure their spots and take advantage of early bird registration discounts before the July 1 deadline.