Speeding Towards The Magic Marine Melges 24 European Championship - Entry Closes Tuesday 16 July

The days are speeding by as the Melges 24 Class approaches one of the highlights of its 2013 season. In less than five weeks the specialists of one the most successful one design sportsboat in the world will gather in Medemblik, Holland, where they will fight for the crown of European Champion.

Today the Melges 24 class is more international than ever: with 48 hours still to go until the closing date for registrations on Tuesday 16 July the entry list of the Magic Marine Melges 24 European Championship already encompasses over seventy teams from sixteen nations. Leading the way in terms of numbers are the Dutch and German fleets, who currently account for twelve teams each, but Denmark, Norway and Sweden will also field good numbers of representatives.  Alongside the fleets from familiar Melges 24 nations the event will also welcome teams from new Melges 24 nations including the Slovak Republic, Lichtenstein and the Czech Republic. 

The entry list is full of important names, many with a full range of experience in the sailing world including participation and victory at the Olympics, America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race. Something that has become an expectation for this little one design that, over the years, has achieved greatness, fascinating sailors with it background of exceptional value. This alchemy will be repeated in Medemblik, where we expect extremely competitive racing.

Among the favorites, we have to mention the recently crowned Italian Champions aboard Giogi, led by owner Matteo Balestrero and the 2006 World Champion Nicola Celon, and two other crews from Italy: Audi Ultra with Riccardo Simoneschi, reigning World and European Ranking Champion, and Andrea Racchelli's Altea, who has been at the top of the Class for many years. The list of favourites must also include Blu Moon, helmed by the former Melges 24 World and European Champion Flavio Favini. Storm Capital Sail Racing helmed by the Norwegian Peder Jahre has won the Corinthian Melges 24 European title no less than three times and is the reigning Corinthian Champion but will not defend the title this time around, choosing to sail in the open division only this year. Amongst those hoping to claim the Corinthian Trophy in 2013 will be two-time Olympic 470 medalist Tonu Toniste and his team aboard Lenny, and Tiit Vihul sailing Rock City, both from Estonia.

Organized by the Royal Yacht Club Hollandia in collaboration with the International Melges 24 Class Association and the Dutch Melges 24 Class, the Magic Marine Melges 24 European Championship will officially open on August 15. The races are scheduled between Saturday 17 and Thursday 22 August.

Alongside the racing schedule there will be a packed social programme, staring with the Opening Ceremony at Medemblik's historic Radboud Castle and including a Gala Dinner, daily awards ceremonies and the Closing Ceremony and Awards Presentation which will feature "Dutch Fish And Chips".

Competitors are reminded that the final closing deadline for entries is Tuesday 16 July and Corinthian competitors are reminded that they must submit their full Corinthian crew lists including ISAF IDs and Classification expiry dates by the same date to be valid for entry to the Corinthian division. 

To see the entry list and for further information about the event including the Notice of Race and Online Entry please visit the event website.

For more information please contact:

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

Notes For Editors

About the Melges 24

International Melges 24 Class Association.

About Magic Marine

Since Magic Marine's founding in 1989, the brand has been committed to provide products that ensure top performance, comfort, style and fun for all aspects of sailing. The range of gear first focused on catamaran sailors, quickly progressed to dinghy's and in 2009 a Coastal/Sportsboat Range has been added for big boat racing. This collection has been refined to provide additional comfort with the Protector Series and general performance for yacht racing across all waters of the World. Paralleling the sailing hardware, stylish Magic Marine apparel can be seen on the beach, around town and during the cold winter months. 
 
Magic Marine gear is tested and worn by Olympic and World Champions. Check it out at www.magicmarine.com