This is an awesome event and potentially, US Sailing Team Member and Charleston, SC native Michael Miller will be hosting a clinic. Stay close to usmelges24.com as more information will be forthcoming should this become a reality.
The race committee is attempting to get the first race underway at the Nordic Championship in Tallinn. They’ve just had a general recall and are going for a second attempt to start any minute now. To track the racing live as it happens please visit www.sailingregister.com/gps/melges24_nordic_open_championship_2009.htm
The 3rd official Open Nordic Championship is on from Friday the 31st of July to Sunday the 2nd of August. First race will start TODAY at 14.00 (GMT +3 hours) and on Saturday-Sunday at 11.00 (GMT +3 hours)
Keep tuned to this blog, melges24.fi and most of all the http://www.sailingregister.com/gps/melges24_nordic_open_championship_2009.htm for LIVE GPS coverage from the Bay of Tallinn.
The 2009 Melges 24 European Championship in Hyeres, France (21-28 August) is shaping up to be a truly international affair, attracting entries from a total of sixteen countries. With Saturday’s 1 August final entry deadline looming, Italy dominates the entry list with a total of twenty-two teams already registered. The Italian contingent is not lacking in quality either and includes the reigning World Champions – Lorenzo Santini’s Uka Uka crew, as well as 2006 World Champion Nico Celon helming Fantasticaaa, amongst their number. The next largest entry comes from the Germany, who can boast eleven entries including the IM24CA’s very own Chairman Günter Tzeschlock. With a total of nine boats, the largest GBR squad for some time includes several new owners looking to cut their teeth at a major Melges 24 Championship. An eight strong French challenge is spearheaded by Maxime Paul’s Marsail 1 who will be hoping to perform well in his home country. The Swiss have also sent eight boats to the European Championship including none other than the reigning European Champion and 2001 World Champion, Flavio Favini at the helm of Franco Rossini’s Blu Moon. For perhaps the first time at a European Melges 24 Championship the fleet is also delighted to warmly welcome an entry from Japan, in the form of Ichiro Ukumori’s Threebond.
The rest of the fleet is made up of entries from countries across Europe and with representation from Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, Ireland, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 2009 European Championship is shaping up to be a fantastic week of Melges 24 racing.
The final closing date for entries is Saturday 1 August and potential competitors are reminded that no late entries will be accepted after this date. The notice of race, entry form and additional information are available from the EVENT WEB SITE.
Corinthian competitors, who wish to race in the all-amateur division of the competition, are also reminded that they must have submitted their full crew lists, including each crewmember’s ISAF ID, classification and expiry date, by Saturday 1 August. Teams that have not submitted their full crew lists with all details by this date will not be eligible for the Corinthian element of the championship. Corinthian competitors who have already submitted their entries are recommended to check the ONLINE ENTRY LIST to confirm that their crew details are correctly recorded and e-mail coych@wanadoo.fr with any additions or corrections.
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:-
Justin Chisholm
2009 Melges 24 European Championship Press Officer
E-mail justin@justinchisholmsolutions.com
Mobile – +44(0)7769 938722
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.