Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2025 in Monfalcone - Overall
by International Melges 24 Class Association 7 Jul 07:15 BST
4-6 July 2025
Patience was rewarded on the final day in Monfalcone, where the Race Committee made the most of a light southwesterly breeze that filled in just when it seemed unlikely. With conditions stabilising around 6.5-7 knots from 210 degrees, the fleet completed three final races, bringing the total to nine and concluding the seventh act of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series in style.
It was a particularly memorable day for Paolo Brescia, who marked his 55th birthday by guiding Melgina to overall victory with an impressive scoreline of 2-3-3 on the final day. His consistent performance allowed Melgina to overtake early regatta leader Nefeli (3-4-7), skippered by Peter Karrie, who ultimately finished third overall. In between, Michele Paoletti's Strambapapà delivered an exceptional final push (1-1-2) to secure second place.
"Today was one of the best birthday presents I could imagine," said Paolo Brescia, celebrating his 55th birthday with a victory aboard Melgina. "We were second until yesterday, and the conditions today were very tricky, but the team did a great job. Stefano read the breeze perfectly, and we stayed calm and fast. The racing was tight, with three boats within a point of each other, but we pulled it off. Monfalcone was a real surprise - not just an industrial port, but a beautiful venue that brought people together. It was a fantastic event."
"We're really happy with this event in Monfalcone - nine races in three days with a mix of conditions: sea breeze, Bora, and light winds," said local sailor Michele Paoletti, 2022 Melges 24 European Champion and helmsman of Strambapapà, who finished second overall. "Honestly, I didn't expect we'd be able to complete the full program, knowing this Gulf, but we've been lucky. As for our performance, it kept improving every day. We've only recently returned to the class and haven't had many racing days yet this season, so we're using every chance we get to train and get better. This area has proven lucky for the Melges 24 fleet - Trieste and now Monfalcone - so let's hope that continues."
The Corinthian division also saw a shake-up on the final day. Hungary's Ákos Csoltó and his team on Chinook surged to the top of the Corinthian rankings—and fourth overall—with a strong finish of 6-2-1, demonstrating remarkable tactical acumen. They finished ten points ahead of Zhik Race Team (4-7-4), led by Miles Quinton, with Vertigo (5-9-11) of Antonio Masoli rounding out the Corinthian podium.
"It was a special event here in Monfalcone," said Chinook crew member Botond Weöres, winner of the Corinthian division. "The venue, with the new Red Bull setup, created a great atmosphere, and we really enjoyed the hospitality. The wind was variable, and we actually sailed with one crew member less than usual, which helped us in the lighter breeze but made the stronger conditions a challenge. Still, we had fun and we're getting more and more ready for the Worlds. And there's another Hungarian boat joining too - so we're excited for what's coming."
This regatta, hosted by Yacht Club Monfalcone in collaboration with the International Melges 24 Class Association and the Italian Melges 24 Class, also served as the second leg of the Italian Melges 24 circuit - Trofeo Gaudì, dedicated to the memory of the recently passed Melges 24 class beloved stalwart Gaudenzio Bonini.
The Melges 24 European Sailing Series will now shift northward with two important events on the horizon: the Melges 24 Danish National Championship in Middelfart, Denmark from August 29-31, followed closely by the Melges 24 Norwegian Open hosted by Fredrikstad Yacht Club in Norway from September 4-6. Both events will offer 1.25 series weighting and provide valuable opportunities for northern teams to climb the season standings.
However, the most critical tune-up on the #RoadToTriesteWorlds will come just days later at the Coppa Tito Nordio 2025 - Trofeo Gaudì Event #3 - Pre-Worlds, scheduled in Trieste from September 5-7. This regatta will serve as the final major rehearsal before the spotlight turns fully to the 2025 Melges 24 World Championship, the pinnacle of the season and the ultimate test of one-design excellence.
Overall Results: (top ten, 18 entries, 9 races, 1 discard)
1. MELGINA (ITA854) Paolo Brescia - (3, 2, 1, 4, 1, [3], 2, 3, 3) - 18 pts
2. STRAMBAPAPA' (ITA689) Michele Paoletti - (2, 5, 3, 3, 2, [14], 1, 1, 2) - 19 pts
3. NEFELI (GER673) Peter Karrie - (1, 1, 2, 1, 3, [11], 3, 4, 7) - 22 pts
4. CHINOOK (HUN850) Ákos Csoltó - (10, 3, 7, 9, 4, [2], 6, 2, 1) - 34 pts (Corinthian)
5. ZHIK RACE TEAM (GBR694) Miles Quinton - (6, 6, 6, 5, 6, [16], 4, 7, 4) - 44 pts (Corinthian)
6. VERTIGO (ITA730) Antonio Masoli - (13, 7, 4, 2, 9, [1], 5, 9, 11) - 48 pts (Corinthian)
7. WHITE ROOM (GER677) Luis Tarabochia - (4, 4, 8, 6, 8, [15], 8, 6, 5) - 49 pts (Corinthian)
8. DAITO NANO (ITA748) Dino Orioli - (7, 9, 5, 7, 10, [4], 7, 10, 9) - 58 pts
9. HEDGEHOG AMERICANO (DEN634) Stefano Lapo - (12, 8, 9, 13, 15, [8], 11, 8, 6) - 75 pts (Corinthian)
10. LA FEMME TERRIBLE (ITA638) Mauro Brescacin - (5, 15, 10, 8, 5, [17], 9, 14, 16) - 82 pts (Corinthian)