Melges 24 European Championship 2024 in Split - Day 3
by International Melges 24 Class Association 2 Oct 2024 22:25 BST
27 September - 4 October 2024
The 2024 Melges 24 European Championship, organized by the JK Split in collaboration with the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA), saw a shift in leadership as the Jugo (South-East) wind provided challenging conditions. Ante Cesic's Razjaren (CRO, 1-5-2) now leads the provisional rankings.
Croatian team Razjaren's strong starts pushed them past early leader Cuyler Morris' Dark Horse (USA, 3-7-BFD) and Andrea Racchelli's Altea (ITA, 7-1-1). The two teams were separated by just two points halfway through the championship.
"Today's conditions were tough, but securing the lead is a great feeling, especially at home," said Andela De Micheli Vitturi, Razjaren's bowman. She shared insights on their strong upwind performance and tricky downwind but emphasised consistency: "The key is to have good starts like we had today—perfect starts."
Video interview with Andela De Micheli Vitturi on Facebook
Andrea Racchelli, sitting second overall, commented: "The feeling is fantastic! Today's conditions were super for the Melges 24, and we felt strong out there, thanks to our experience with this boat. We're really happy with our performance! The two bullets put us in a strong position, but we must stay focused."
Video interview with Andrea Racchelli on Facebook
In third place is Universitas Nova (CRO, 6-3-5), helmed by Ivan Kljakovic Gašpic, who consistently finished in the top group. Universitas Nova and Altea are the only ones not to finish outside the top ten.
Leading the Corinthian standings is Ante Botica's Mataran 24 (CRO, 2-9-4), currently fifth overall, followed by Miles Quinton's Zhik Race Team (GBR, 15-4-8)in seventh, and Michael Tarabochia's White Room (GER, 9-12-3) rounding out the top three Corinthians.
Racing resumes on Thursday with three more races expected in similar conditions.