Official Melges 24 Blog

Tallinn, Estonia – 17 February 2010 – The International Melges 24 Class is pleased to announce that the Notice of Race and Online Entry for the 2010 Melges 24 World Championship, to be hosted by the Kalev Yacht Club, Tallinn, Estonia in association with the Finnish & Estonian Melges 24 Class from 4-12 August 2010, are now available from the Event Website.

The Finnish & Estonian Melges 24 Class has gone from strength to strength in recent years and now boasts one of the strongest and
most competitive national Melges 24 fleets anywhere in the World. Founded in 1947 the Kalev Yacht Club is
Estonia’s oldest and most highly regarded yacht club and has outstanding experience in running major regattas. The club is based in the Pirita Olympic Harbour, which was purpose built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics and offers outstanding regatta facilities.

The harbour is located just 5km from Tallinn, the historic capital city of Estonia, with its numerous pubs, clubs and restaurants,
outstanding shopping facilities and historic centre, which dates back to the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“We are thrilled to be taking the Melges 24 World Championship to the former Eastern Block for the first time.” commented International Melges 24 Class Chairman Günter Tzeschlock. “Tallinn is one of the Baltic’s most beautiful and historic sailing
venues and with the advantages of the purpose built Olympic marina and great sailing waters plus a fascinating city and sandy beaches right on the doorstep we’re all set for a fantastic regatta. Despite the global economic problems we achieved a record entry at our 2009 European Championship and we’re expecting a record entry for this event too thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our sailors and the outstanding organisational skills of the Kalev Yacht Club and the Finnish and Estonian
Melges 24 Class.”

Immediately prior to the World Championship teams are invited to take part in the Estonian Open Melges 24 Championship, which will also be hosted by the Kalev Yacht Club from 30 July to 1 August (registration Friday 30 July, racing Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August). Racing will be run by the Worlds Race Committee, headed by PRO Lars Nyqvist, on the championship race area in the Bay
of Tallinn making it the perfect warm up opportunity.

Registration for the 2010 Melges 24 World Championship will open on Wednesday 4 August, there will be tune up racing on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 August and Championship racing will take place from Saturday 7 to Thursday 12 August with 12 races scheduled. The event will also feature a fun social programme where the Estonian hosts will demonstrate their legendary hospitality and love of a good party!

The 2010 Melges 24 World Championship offers an excellent range of sponsorship opportunities ranging from official suppliers through to title sponsorship. The Melges 24 Class brings an outstanding global media coverage track record, an onsite
audience of well connected and wealthy individuals from around the globe and a flexible and experienced sponsorship management team dedicated to meeting sponsors needs. To find out more about the sponsorship opportunities available please contact Tomi Hakola, tomi.hakola@nelonenmedia.fi, Tel +358 40 535 2020 Skype tomihakola, Tel +358 40 535 2020.

Competitors are reminded that it is important to make accommodation reservations early. The organisers have reached a special agreement with the Pirita TOP Spa Hotel at the Pirita Olympic Harbour which offers 267 rooms just 200m from the
championship marina. To take advantage of the special accommodation rates being offered for the regatta competitors
should register via the Event Website. There is a wide range of alternative accommodation also available near the marina and in Tallinn city centre and further details of other accommodation options can also be found on the Event Website.

Members of the press who would like to receive further information about the 2010 Melges 24 World Championship or who wish to attend the event should contact IM24CA Administrator & Media Coordinator Fiona Brown, fiona.brown@melges24.com, Skype
fpbrown or Tel +44 (0)7711 718470.

The 2010 Melges 24 World Championship is sponsored by:-

Official Sailing Clothing Partner – Marine Pool

Official Marina Services Partner – TopCity

European Capital of Culture 2011 – City of Tallinn

Official Hotel Partner – Pirita Top Spa Hotel

Official Travel & Accommodation Partner – Reisiekspert

4energia Renewable Energy Company

Enterprise Estonia

LTT Wholesale Groceries

KSA Eye Centre

Brand Factory

Visit the Official Event Website of the 2010 Melges 24 World Championship.

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportsboat 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 and the Finnish and Estonian Melges 24 Class Association.

For more information please contact:

Fiona Brown
International Melges 24 Class Administrator & Media Coordinator
fiona.brown@melges24.com
Skype  fpbrown
Tel  +44 (0)7711 718470

Külli Haav
Estonian Melges 24 Press Officer
kyllih@mail.com
Skype phillipa
Tel +372 511 9433

Johanna Backas
Finnish Melges 24 Press Officer
jbackas@gmail.com
Tel +358 40 723 1434

Tomi Haakola
Finnish & Estonian Melges 24 Class Chairman
Tomi.Hakola@nelonenmedia.fi
Skype tomihakola
Tel ++358 40 535 2020

Triin Sepp
Sponsorship Coordinator
triin.sepp@gmail.com
Skype Triin1969
Tel +372 516 3702

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.

Please note that the entry deadline for the Melges 24 European Championship,  which takes place in Hyeres, France from August 21-28,  is just two weeks away on Friday 3 July 2009.  Entries received after this date will be subject to a late entry surcharge of Euro 210 and the absolute final deadline for entries is Saturday 1 August 2009.  For the Notice Of Race, Entry Form, Online Entry and accommodation and other logistical information please visit the EVENT WEB SITE.

The 2009 Autonet Mobile Melges 24 U.S. National Championship may only have twenty-one boats registered, but a powerful majority of the teams are super-stacked with talent. This can mean only one thing. Without a doubt this National Championship will be one of the most exciting and tightest fought ever.

The Melges 24 is the standard by which all other sportboats strive to measure up to — and those that are in doubt need to stand up and take note this weekend.

Read The Full Article

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 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.

And, to Brian Porter on Full Throttle — 2008 North American Ranking Champions!

Just to let everyone know, ISAF has exclusively organized a discussion panel to be held in Key West, Fla. at ACURA Key West 2009. This is the first time that the ISAF Classification Commission has had a public forum to discuss this very important topic. Given the vast, strong opinions some have on this topic, not only is this expected to be informative, but most likely this will entertaining too.

ISAF Classification: Facts and Myths | 5:00 P.M. | TUESDAY – JANUARY 22
For over a decade, a system of Classification has existed to try and define an important performing element in our sport: the sailors. Competitive classes and events around the world have used and helped refine the ISAF Classification system to help define the types of sailors they wish to have in their competitions, ranging from those who are deemed ‘amateurs’ in Group 1 to ‘professionals’ in Group 3. Because of the challenges inherent in trying to define who these sailors are, the system has at times been the subject of criticism and scrutiny, yet remains as a vital key to the success of many of these classes and events. 

Join ISAF Classification Commission Chair Antony Matusch and a panel of class managers and sailors as they discuss the merits and pitfalls of this system. Everyone is invited to learn and provide feedback for improving this important process.

The brand new dates for the International Melges 24 2009 World Championship in Annapolis, Md. is October 23-November 1, hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club. Stay tuned to melges24.com and usmelges24.com.