Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026 at Opatija, Croatia - Day 1
by International Melges 24 Class Association 10 Apr 23:56 BST
10-12 April 2026
The Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026 opened in Opatija with a long, physically demanding first day, where early-morning racing and highly unstable wind conditions tested both preparation and patience across the fleet.
With the familiar Adriatic tramuntana setting the tone, the Race Committee sent the fleet on course shortly after 8:00, taking advantage of the narrow morning window. However, as the breeze faded and became increasingly inconsistent, racing was paused before resuming later in the afternoon, when a lighter, more variable maestral allowed two additional races to be completed.
"It's a long day... but that's sailing," said Stipe Vitaljic from CRO-A-SAIL, reflecting on the stop-and-go rhythm of the day. "The conditions were tricky-this fading tramuntana is unpredictable and tough to handle-but we held our ground. Everyone was pressing us hard at the finish, but we managed to defend our lead, which is really great to see for such a young crew."
The Croatian U25 and Corinthian team CRO-A-SAIL emerged as the standout performer of the day, combining composure with strong boat speed to secure two race wins and a second place. For a team that has focused heavily on winter preparation, the result marks a clear step forward.
"We really put in the work this winter," Vitaljic added. "Our main goal is the World Championship next year, but we're already seeing progress. I'm here as the more experienced sailor, pushing the guys, and they're doing a fantastic job."
At the helm, 23-year-old Roko Stipanovic emphasised the team's ability to adapt across a wide range of conditions. "We managed to complete several races today under very changeable conditions-from medium winds to lighter breeze in the final race, with completely different directions," he explained. "The team did a superb job, and the boat is so well prepared that it almost feels like it's moving on its own."
CRO-A-SAIL opened the regatta with a second place before maintaining their position at the top through the afternoon races. Despite leading the standings, the team remains focused on consistency rather than strategy at this early stage. "We don't have a specific tactic—we just want to sail cleanly, without unnecessary mistakes," Stipanovic added. "This is only the first day. We need to stay calm and ready for what's coming."
Behind the leaders, Italy's MELGINA, helmed by Paolo Brescia, and supported by former World Champion Andrea Racchelli onboard, delivered a highly consistent series with a race win followed by two second-place finishes, keeping the pressure firmly on the Croatian team.
In the Corinthian division, the competition is already intense and deeply competitive, reflecting the depth of the amateur fleet. Croatia's LITTLE A, helmed by Stjepan Cesic, leads the standings after a strong recovery from a challenging opening race. "This morning, under the tramuntana, we weren't at our best," Cesic admitted. "But in the afternoon, we corrected our mistakes and came back with a third and a fourth. We're very satisfied with that." Hungary's CHINOOK by Akos Csolto remains close behind with consistent results across all three races, while Miles Quinton's ZHIK RACE TEAM (GBR) with Geoff Carveth at the helm, holds third place. "The level here is extremely high, especially among the Corinthians," Cesic added. "The best teams are here-it's going to be a real fight."
True to Opatija's reputation, the day began early, and tomorrow promises more of the same. "We're used to these conditions," Cesic noted. "That's part of the charm of sailing here. Now it's about getting some rest and being ready to go again in the morning."
With three races completed and no discard yet applied, the leaderboard remains tight behind the leaders. On Saturday, the earliest possible warning signal has been set for 7.30 am and four races are scheduled.
Results after Day 1: (top five, 3 races)
1. CRO782 CRO-A-SAIL Roko Stipanovic (2-1-1) 4pts (U25)
2. ITA854 MELGINA Paolo Brescia (1-2-2) 5pts
3. CRO728 LITTLE A Stjepan Cesic (10-4-3) 17pts (Corinthian)
4. HUN850 CHINOOK Akos Csolto (5-8-4) 17pts (Corinthian)
5. CRO867 RAZJAREN Ante Cesic (7-6-5) 18pts
Corinthian Results after Day 1: (top three, 3 races)
1. CRO728 LITTLE A Stjepan Cesic (10-4-3) 17pts
2. HUN850 CHINOOK Akos Csolto (5-8-4) 17pts
3. GBR694 ZHIK RACE TEAM Geoffrey Carveth (3-9-8) 20pts
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www.melges24.com/europeansailingseries.