2026 Melges 24 European Championship - Early bird entry fee deadline approaching on April 30
by International Melges 24 Class Association 23 Apr 20:40 BST
29 August - 4 September 2026
Tønsberg Seilforening © Tønsberg Seilforening
The European Melges 24 season is only just getting under way, and September may still feel distant.
In reality, the countdown is on: less than four months remain until the Melges 24 European Championship 2026 takes place in Tønsberg, Norway, from 29 August to 4 September, hosted by Tønsberg Seilforening and organised in cooperation with the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA).
For the international fleet, the championship is more than a major title event. It is also an opportunity to experience one of Scandinavia's most appealing late-summer sailing destinations, where Viking heritage, coastal culture, and Nordic hospitality meet world-class racing conditions.
While many teams are still finalising their summer plans, the momentum is already clear. Teams from eight nations have entered so far, representing Croatia, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Monaco, and Norway.
The early entry list already combines youth, Corinthian strength, returning class stalwarts, and proven champions.
Among those confirmed are:
- Razjaren (CRO), skippered by Ante Cesic, reigning European Champion and recent European Sailing Series winner.
- Taki 5 (ITA) led by Niccolò Bertola, four-time Corinthian World Champion.
- Storm Capital (NOR) with Peder Jahre, three-time Corinthian World Champion and multiple Norwegian champion.
- Nika (MON), skippered by Vladimir Prosikhin, arriving after a strong 2025 Worlds campaign.
- Eurosurprise (CAN) with Dan Berezin, continuing the growing overseas presence in Europe.
- A strong local Norwegian contingent, including several ambitious young teams from the Trondheim student sailing environment - NTNUI Sailing.
The variety and quality of the current fleet already point toward a highly competitive championship, with many more entries expected in the coming weeks.
Ten days left to secure early bird entry
The class now issues a friendly reminder to all teams planning to compete:
Enter by April 30 to secure the Early Bird Entry Fee of 16,800 NOK (€1,400).
From May 1 to July 31, the fee increases to 19,200 NOK (€1,600).
With only 10 days remaining, now is the time to confirm your place on the starting line in Norway.
The next important date is July 31, after which the final late-entry phase begins.
Innovation on and off the water
Preparations continue at Tønsberg Seilforening and within the International Melges 24 Class. Under the updated class rules, the championship will make use of the Vakaros RaceSense System, bringing another step forward in race management.
RaceSense supports cleaner starts, more precise line calls, faster decision-making, and a smoother overall racing experience. Reducing delays and general recalls means more quality racing time on the water-and more time ashore for the renowned Melges 24 social atmosphere and camaraderie.
Further information on device availability, implementation details, and event procedures will be published in the Notice Board documentation.
Teams can also learn more via the upcoming Vakaros webinar on 11 May.
Accommodation options for teams
To support visiting sailors and teams, Tønsberg Seilforening has prepared a range of accommodation options for competitors attending the Melges 24 European Championship 2026.
Available choices include hotels, private houses, apartments, cabins, and other local lodging options, allowing teams to select accommodation that best suits their preferences, crew size, and budget.
As late-summer demand can be strong, teams are encouraged to secure both their entry and accommodation early to ensure the best selection and convenience during championship week.
Join the fleet
The road to Tønsberg is under way. With an international fleet already building, now is the ideal moment to enter and secure the reduced rate before April 30.