Official Melges 24 Blog

After strong winds overnight day one of the second Melges 24 Italian Volvo Cup event in Punta Ala dawned wet, miserable and windless.  It wasn’t until 3pm that the race committee was able to send the 57 Melges 24s from ten nations out to the race course for two races in what proved to be extremely light and testing conditions.

The light airs made for a snakes and ladders sailing session and there are a lot of tired sailors still making their way back to the harbour as we write this report at 7pm.  Although the Italian crews were expected to dominate it was actually Estonia Olympic 470 Bronze Medallist Tonu Toniste of Estonia sailing EST790 Lenny who got the better of today’s tricky conditions to win both races and take the overall lead in the competition.  Behind him the fleet struggled for consistency as can be seen from the provisional individual race top five results below:-

1st race
EST 790 Lenny – Toniste
ITA 718 Saeta – Giovannini
ITA 727 Pilot Italia – Bolzan/Catalonga
ITA 735 Altea – Racchelli
SUI 578 Music55 – Hueber/Boy

2nd race
EST 790 Lenny – Toniste
NOR 554 – Jahre
GER 731 .Men’s secret business – Houdek
SUI 599 Poizon Rouge – Monnard
SUI 782 Blue Moon – Favini/Rossini

We hope to have a more detailed report of the racing for you later and full results should be posted HERE shortly, but in the meantime the very provisional top five results are:-

EST 790 Lenny – Toniste
ITA 727 Pilot Italia – Bolzan/Catalogna
ITA 718 Saeta – Giovannini
SUI 599 Poizon Rouge – Monnard
SUI 578 Music55 – Hueber/Boy

Interested Melges 24 teams anticipating competition at the 2009 Annapolis Melges 24 World Championship on October 23 – November 1 are encouraged to register online today at melges24worlds2009.com.

Annapolis, Md. (April 24, 2009) – The 2009 Melges 24 World Championship, organized by the Eastport Yacht Club is now accepting registration online at the official event web site www.melges24worlds2009.com.

All competitors are reminded that the entry deadline for the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship is September 23. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the Eastport Yacht Club, but no entries will be accepted after October 9. All Melges 24 teams anticipating Corinthian competition, must have their entry submitted by October 9. Absolutely no entries will be accepted beyond this date.

Also, Notice of Race (NOR) amendment no. 1 for the 2009 Worlds has been posted online that further clarifies arbitration, late entry surcharges, the schedule of events and the venue facilities.

The Annapolis area is a regular host to large events, but because of the number and size of events during this timeframe, competitors are encouraged to secure reservations for accommodations as soon as possible.

A very special thanks to official apparel sponsor(s) Coral Reef Sailing Apparel & Gill, and official transportation sponsor Latis Yachting Solutions. The Boatyard Bar and Grill, Sam’s Waterfront Cafe, National Sailing Hall of Fame and Porsche are local supporting sponsors of the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship. This event is also supported by the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA), the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) and the Annapolis Melges 24 Fleet #22.

The Melges 24 Class and Eastport Yacht Club are extremely proud to be partnered with these outstanding companies and sincerely thank them for their generous support of the 2009 Worlds.

Tax deductible donations are also being accepted; please contact 2009 World Championship Regatta Chair, Liz Filter if you would like to make a gift.

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Visit the official event website at www.melges24worlds2009.com for more information on the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship. Also, visit the Eastport Yacht Club online. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sponsorship Director Melissa Currier.

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. For more information, visit the official class websites of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) and U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA).

For more information or press photos, please contact:
Joy Dunigan
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA)
2009 Melges 24 World Championship Press Chair
Class Communications Director | Executive Secretary
+1 (912) 398-5776
Skype: joysavannah

Justin Chisholm
International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA)
2009 Melges 24 World Championship Press Officer
+44 7769 938722
Skype: justinchis

Fiona Brown
IMCA Administrator
2009 Melges 24 World Championship
+44 (0) 7711 718470
Skype: fpbrown

The 2009 Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD Regatta gets underway today. There is simply no better way to be kicking off the spring sailing season, not to mention the racing calendar in the Northeast as we work our way up to the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship, October 23 – November 1.

Drum roll please! Twenty Melges 24s are officially signed-up and ready to go, but we know for a fact there are more coming. Among those expected to compete are teams headed for the Worlds, each specifically taking a very serious look with firm evaluation. 

Lorenzo Bressani aboard Lorenzo Santini’s ITA-787 Uka Uka Racing is in attendance and are no doubt in full preparation mode for Worlds. This team, at least for now, appears to have an untouchable talent for winning. It seems as though almost anything Santini puts his finger on turns to gold. He and Bressani are not only Melges 24 defending World Champions, they’ve also just came off of a fresh win in Key West — AND last week in Malcesine, Italy they won for the first edition event of 2009 Audi Sailing Series.

Kristen and Peter Lane, from California with their formidable double Brickhouse 539 and 623 efforts are quite prepared — Mark Ivey, Charlie McKee, Brian Hutchinson, Mark Stube, Matt Noble and Scott Norris will be seen working it out as they march ahead to Worlds. The general report this morning from Kristen Lane is the fleet is really excited about this event.

“The conditions yesterday were very similar to what we had at the North American’s last year.” commented Lane. “We are very happy we made the trip here as it’s going to be an extremely valuable education on the Chesapeake Bay.”

Simon Strauss on USA-757 Simplicity, 2007 Melges 24 Corinthian World Champion Othmar Mueller Von Blumencron on USA-679 Gannet, USMCA Southeast District Governor Steve Kopf on USA-773 Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures are all in attendance with the goal of ramping up to Worlds.

View Full List Of Entries

We want to know who you think will make the grade in Annapolis on the USMCA Forum.

57 teams from ten nations are preparing to race in the second Italian Volvo Cup regatta of the seaon, being held in Punta Ala on Italy’s beautiful Tuscan coast.  With crews from Norway, Sweden, Austria, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Etsonia and the Czech Republic ready to line up against the strong Italian home fleet and with a forecast for strong winds and sunshine it promises to be a great opening day to the regatta.

Yesterday many of the teams spent the day afloat practising, taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather and light afternoon sea breeze.  The Italians continue to dominate this season and for this event Alberto Bolzan and Gianni Catalogna’s Pilot Italia, Luca Valerio and Maurizio Abba’s Alina, Riccardo Simmoneschi’s Team Giacomel Audi, Nicola Celon and Lanfranco Cirillo’s Fantstica, and Flavio Favini with Franco Rossini’s Swiss Blu Moon team, all have the potential to top the podium.

Racing gets underway at noon and the Volvo video and photography team will be on site to capture all the action.  We’ll bring you daily updates and results as soon as we get them so check back with this site this evening for today’s update.

The 2009 International Melges 24 European Championship will be hosted by the Cercle d’Organisation du Yachting de Compétition Hyérios (COYCH), in Hyeres, France from 21 to 28 August 2009.

As host of the 2006 Melges 24 World Championship and the annual Novembre a Hyeres regatta, Hyeres is already an extremely popular regatta venue for the Melges 24 fleet.  The stunning Cote d’Azur location, exceptional sailing conditions, excellent logistical links and outstanding facilities make it a natural choice for major events and the International Melges 24 Class is delighted to once again be working with the COYCH and the French Melges 24 Class.

Hyeres’ popularity and close proximity to a large proportion of the European Melges 24 fleet means that a record entry of more than eighty boats is expected for this event.  Reigning Melges 24 European Champions Flavio Favini and the Swiss Blu Moon team of Franco Rossini are expected to defend their title, whilst Lorenzo Santini’s Italian Uka Uka team will be hoping to add the European Trophy to their cabinet which already holds the 2008 Melges 24 World Trophy.  Challenging them will be the best of the European Melges 24 teams as well as crews from North America and Australia.

Registration for the regatta will open on Friday 21 August, there will be practise racing on Sunday 23 August and Championship racing will run from Monday 24 to Friday 28 August.  The social programme will include an official opening ceremony, après sailing gatherings and a gala prize giving ceremony.  Hyeres is famous for its hospitality and looks forward once again to welcoming the Melges 24 teams.

The Notice of Race, Entry Form, accommodation and logistical information are all available from the official event web site www.m24european2009.com. 

The event is most generously supported by official sponsors Vile d’Hyeres, Conseil General du Var, Conseil Regional PACA, Office du Tourisme d’Hyeres, Eurovoiles, Quantum Sail Design Group, Brasserie Le Tocco, X Voiles – Russo and Ricoh.

For further information about the 2009 International Melges 24 European Championship please visit the event web site at www.m24european2009.com or contact:-

Bastien Berenguier

COYHC Press Officer

E-mail – bastien@neodyme-communication.com

Mobile – +33(0)671 291651

Fiona Brown

IMCA Press Officer

E-mail – fiona.brown@melges24.com

Mobile – +44(0)7711 718470

Skype – fpbrown

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. For more information, visit the official class websites of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) and the French Melges 24 Class Association.

Sail Port Stephens is host to the second Australian Melges 24 National Titles.  Nine races will make up the regatta and take place from the 24 – 26 April 2009.

The High Performance One Design Melges 24’s will shine in the ideal conditions on offer at Port Stephens.

Mako Polarised Sunglasses have teamed up with Melges, both are high tech performance products that achieve results.

Teams of four or five crew with a weight limit of 360kg will make up the fleet competing for the title of 2009 Australian Melges 24 Champion. 

Last years champion from RGBYC, WA Heath Townsend returns with his team to defend the title in his 2nd Melges 24 East Coast based yacht  Wot Tha.

The beauty of the Melges 24 is it allows yachting families quality time together.  The yachts are trailerable and easy to rig and launch.  No winches and furling headsail means all ages can participate in the Regatta together.  Testimony to this is the fact that the World Titles have been won by  60+ year olds and teenage skippers.

Team Faz Vitesse, The Farrimond family from RGYC consists of father David and his four sons Dale, Adam, Scott and Michael.  They are making the most of the regatta as a family reunion.  David is currently on contract in Dubai, Dale is returning from Scotland to meet up and enjoy the Sail Port Stephens Regatta.

Mark Moriarty from RQYC Business Time is using the Nationals primarily as a learning opportunity.  Sons Nick (18) and  Hugh (15) have  competed in school sailing teams and were both in one of the three Australian teams at the inter-dominion schools teams racing in NZ last year. Max Creedy and Warwick Heath have distinguished junior dingy sailing careers and make up the team.

The 2009 Sportsboat Champion Mako Melges new crew consists of two father and son teams Geoff and Matt Masters, David and Alex Lyons and good friend John McCuaig.

Heath Walters RPAYC Australian builder of the Melges 24 will race on No Comment with 11 year old son Harley and brother Murray along wwith Rob Brewer and boat owner Mark Bernardinis.

Anarchy SPYC is campaigned by owner John Hall who also races with his teenage son Tim.

With most families finding it difficult to spend quality time together the regatta schedule for the Melges 24 is the ideal opportunity to compete in an International One Design Class and socialise together off the water.

www.sailportstephens.com.au

www.melges24association.yachting.org.au

The second Volvo Cup of the season, to be held in Punta Ala on Italy’s stunning Tuscan coast from 24-26 April, is now just a few days away and already Melges 24 teams from across Europe are making their way to this popular destination for what promises to be another outstanding weekend of sailing.  For further information about the regatta please visit www.melges24.it and of course we’ll bring you coverage, photos and video as it happens.

Scott Nixon aboard USA-751 Quantum Racing has won the highly-contested Melges 24 division at Charleston Race Week 2009. Among his crew, are 2008 North American Champion companions Amy Ironmonger and Brian Janney. After three days and nine races while competing against some of the best sailors in the world, Nixon is officially the very first to win back-to-back Charleston Melges 24 titles — as a helm and as a tactician. In 2008, he called the shots for winner USMCA President and IMCA Vice Chairman (US) Travis Weisleder. 

Currently a resident of Annapolis, Md., Nixon is no stranger to Charleston. His expertise and local knowledge paid big dividends this weekend. He lived in Charleston from 1993 to 1995 as the coach of the College of Charleston sailing team.

Going into the last day of racing Argyle Campbell on USA-795 Rock n’ Roll from Newport Beach, Calif. was seated in the overall lead, only one vital point ahead of Nixon in second place. In third, also one point out was day one regatta leader John Kolius from La Porte, Tx. on USA-776 KO Sailing.

With the potential for three more intense races on tap for the final day only, the 31-boat strong Melges 24 fleet went back to racing under semi-overcast skies and breeze on conditions.

South Carolina native Robbie Wilkins on USA-725 Vamoose took control early in the first race rounding the top mark in first, followed by Nixon challenging for second with Simon Strauss on USA-757 Simplicity. Beyond the top three the rounding was tight as Wilkins, Strauss and Nixon vied for position. Nixon, knew that an early jump on the fleet would swing the scoreboard in his direction as he pulled out ahead of Strauss, then Wilkins for the win. Strauss hung in for second, in third was another hot, young Melges 24 local racer, David O’Reilly on USA-700 ARDOR/C.R.E.A.M, Wilkins settled for fourth.

The last race of the event found Kolius with the pressure required to maintain a win and a second place overall position. He pulled across the finishline some two to three boat lengths ahead of USMCA Southeast District Governor Steve Kopf on USA-773 Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures in second. Strauss had an outstanding day with a third place finish.

The U.S. Melges 24 Class would like to thank 2009 U.S. Championship Series title sponsor — SLAM. Congratulations to the top three winning teams as they will take home some sweet, race ready embroidered gear. We are especially thankful to all the teams that competed, especially to those that traveled from the West Coast and overseas. Many special thanks to the event organizers — Brad and Meaghan Van Liew with staff for delivering an outstanding event.

TOP TEN RESULTS
1.) Scott Nixon, Quantum Racing; 3-1-[11]-2-4-3-9-1-4 = 26
2.) John Kolius, KO Sailing; 1-5-4-2-[15]-8-2-10-1 = 33
3.) Argyle Campbell, Rock n’ Roll; 5-4-2-3-5-1-[12]-11-10 = 41
4.) John Pollard/Jens Wathne, Party Girl; 13-7-6-7-8-2-1-9-[14] = 53
5.) Steve Kopf, Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures; 10-3-10-9-3-6-11-[18]-2 = 54
6.) Simon Strauss, Simplicity; 15-2-1-[32/DNF]-20-5-7-2-3 = 55
7.) Peter Lane, Brickhouse 539; 9-14-5-10-1-4-[19]-12-5 = 60
8.) Henry Filter, Wild Child; 2-10-7-[14]-10-9-8-6-9 = 61
9.) David Dabney, CharlestonEyeDoctor.com; 8-[19]-12-5-2-17-6-5-8 = 63
10.) David O’Reilly, ARDOR/C.R.E.A.M.; 6-12-[21]-11-7-12-3-3-15 = 69

Full Results
Charleston Race Week 2009 was event number five of thirty SLAM U.S. Championship Series events and the third 2009 North American Ranking event on the International Melges 24 Schedule. There are many more high-powered Melges 24 events coming your ways soon. Everyone is reminded of:

2009 Annapolis NOOD - April 24-26
Annapolis Yacht Club; Annapolis, Md.

2009 Seattle NOOD - May 15-17
Seattle Yacht Club & Corinthian Yacht Club; Seattle, Wash.

2009 Autonet Mobile Melges 24 U.S. National Championship - June 11-14 – ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
St. Francis Yacht Club; San Francisco, Calif. 

2009 Melges 24 World Championship - October 23 – November 1 – ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Eastport Yacht Club; Annapolis, Md. 

MEDIA PLAY
Check it out! A host of commentary, photos and videos are all available online:
Official Event Web Site

Video Coverage  
Racing 
Friday: Recap and Promo
Saturday: Recap and Promo

Forums and Commentary

Photo Gallery

A windless Saturday morning was in store for 174 racing boats, including 23 Melges 24s, on Charleston Harbor today, but the warm sun more than made up for a little delay. Racers decided after a delay of more than one hour (due to the lack of wind) to start swimming and sunbathing. Chuck Coyer, a mobile yacht rigger who is sailing Race Week with local hotshot Melges 24 team Blur said, “It was easy to get a little too relaxed – when the racing started it was extremely tough and mentally taxing, a real gear shift from working on a sun tan for two hours.”  Blur sits in sixth position, the top local boat in the competitive grand prix Melges class, owned by Isle of Palms resident Steve Kopf.

Harbor Currents Deliver Challenge 
The hot Melges 24 Quantum Racing didn’t have any such trouble. The all-pro crew has been on an unmatched winning streak in the marquis fleet, winning last year’s North American Championship and currently training for October’s World Championship. This crack crew also includes a local – Charleston’s Amy Ironmonger, a hot commodity in the sailing world. “It was really a different game than yesterday, with lots of transitions,” she commented. The team is only one point out of first, and Amy is “pleased to see that our tuning and skill level is coming together so well as we get ready for Worlds.” Even after being over the line early in the final race of the day, Quantum was able to catch and pass 22 other boats and salvage a ninth place in the race.

Tomorrow’s forecast calls for more wind and comfortable temperatures as the racers fight to win honors for their fleet and more than $10,000 in prizes from Raymarine, Gosling’s Rum and the rest of Charleston Race Week’s generous sponsors.  “As far as I can tell, almost every fleet is still up for grabs tomorrow,” said Race Director Brad Van Liew.  “No one is walking away with victory without a fight and once again, Charleston Race Week is providing great competition across the board.”

After the first day of racing, La Porte, Texas’ John Kolius on USA-776 KO Sailing takes the lead at Charleston Race Week 2009.

With a scoreline of 1-5-4, Kolius is one point ahead of Argyle Campbell’s USA-630 Rock n’ Roll with Andy Burdick on tactics. In third, it’s no surprise Scott Nixon on USA-751 Quantum Racing along with a portion of the same crew that won the 2008 North American Championship four points further back.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS
01.) John Kolius, USA-776 KO Sailing
02.) Argyle Campbell, USA-630 Rock n’ Roll
03.) Scott Nixon, USA-751 Quantum Racing
04.) Simon Strauss, USA-757 Simplicity
05.) Henry Filter, USA-721 Wild Child
06.) Kristen Lane, USA-623 Brick House 623
07.) Steve Kopf, USA-773 Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures
08.) John Pollard/Jens Wathne NOR-789 Party Girl
09.) Guy Mossman, USA-786 Riot Act
10.) Peter Lane, USA-539 Brickhouse 539

FULL RESULTS

Don’t forget to tune-in to these following links for more LIVE coverage tomorrow.

Event
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