2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series - Dark Energy takes the win in Riva as Melgina claims the Italian title

25 May 2025, Riva del Garda, Italy - The final day of a thrilling regatta in Riva del Garda delivered everything the Melges 24 Class is known for: tight racing, changing leads, and a nail-biting finish. With eight races completed and five boats within four points heading into the final showdown, it was Laura Grondin’s Dark Energy (USA868) who emerged victorious, edging out reigning European Champions, Lukasz Podniesinski's Razjaren (CRO867) with Ante Cesic helming, on a tiebreak.

Behind them, Paolo Brescia’s Melgina (ITA854), with Simone Ferrarese on tactics, claimed third place overall and was crowned 2025 Melges 24 Italian National Champion. 

Overall podium: Dark Energy (USA), Razjaren (CRO), Melgina (ITA) - 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series / Italian Open Championship

IM24CA/Zerogradinord

The regatta, hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva and expertly managed by PRO Gabriella Gabrielli, welcomed a fleet of nearly thirty teams, including some of the biggest names in international sailing. Once again, the timeless one-design sportboat designed by Reichel-Pugh proved why it continues to attract elite sailors three decades after its launch.

“It came down to every boat length in the final race,” said Dark Energy’s skipper Laura Grondin, who sailed with a world-class crew including Taylor Canfield, Ian Liberty, Nick Ford, and Mac Agnese.

“We’re really proud of how we held it together and fought for every point. The class is incredibly strong right now, it’s an honor to come out on top.”

Interview with Laura Grondin

Meanwhile, Melgina’s crew of Jas Farneti, Matija Succi, Filippo Vulcanile, Simone Ferrarese, and owner/driver Paolo Brescia delivered a standout performance with two race wins and consistent speed across the weekend.

“It wasn’t easy, but we’re thrilled to take the Italian title,” said Brescia.

Ferrarese added: “We were right there until the last race. It was a super competitive fleet, and the team did an incredible job adjusting to tricky conditions.”

Interview with Paolo Brescia and Simone Ferrarese

Second place in the Italian nationals went to Niccolò Bertola’s Taki 4 (ITA778), while Dino Orioli’s Daito Nano (ITA748) completed the all-Italian podium in third.

Melges 24 Italian Championship podium: Melgina, Taki 4, Daito Nano - 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series / Italian Open Championship

IM24CA/Zerogradinord

Just off the overall podium tied with 3rd, Cuyler Morris’ Dark Horse (USA870), with Manuel Weiller on tactics, led the standings going into Race 8 but slipped to fourth by the finish. Fifth place went to Andrea Racchelli’s Altea (ITA722), followed by Vladimir Prosikhin’s Nika (MON860), a top-tier newcomer to the class with an impressive pedigree from the RC44 and beyond.

Corinthian Standings

In the Corinthian division, Marco Zammarchi’s Taki 4 (ITA778), helmed by Niccolò Bertola, returned to dominant form. The four-time Corinthian World Champions fended off a late push from Ákos Csoltó’s Chinook (HUN850) by just two points. The Corinthian podium was completed by Michael Tarabochia's White Room (GER677) with Luis Tarabochia at the helm.

Corinthian podium: Taki 4 (ITA), Chinook (HUN), White Room (GER) - 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series / Italian Open Championship

IM24CA/Zerogradinord

Top 11, including Corinthian Top 3 (after 8 races, 27 teams)

1. Dark Energy (USA868) - Laura Grondin - 27 pts
2. Razjaren (CRO867) - Ante Cesic - 27 pts
3. Melgina (ITA854) - Paolo Brescia - 29 pts Italian Champion
4. Dark Horse (USA870) - Cuyler Morris - 29 pts
5. Altea (ITA722) - Andrea Racchelli - 31 pts
6. Nika (MON860) - Vladimir Prosikhin - 33 pts
7. Panjic (CRO803) - Luka Sangulin - 40 pts
8. Taki 4 (ITA778) - Niccolò Bertola - 46 pts Corinthian 1st
9. Chinook (HUN850) - Ákos Csoltó - 48 pts Corinthian 2nd
10. Daito Nano (ITA748) - Dino Orioli - 65 pts
11. White Room (GER677) - Luis Tarabochia - 78 pts Corinthian 3rd

The third event of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, which also served as the Melges 24 Italian Open Championship - first scoring event of the 2025 Trofeo Gaudi, the Italian Melges 24 circuit, was hosted by the Fraglia Vela Riva in collaboration with the Italian Melges 24 Class and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA).

What’s Next?

The Melges 24 European Sailing Series continues with its fourth event in Struer, Denmark, from 20–22 June.

All eyes now turn toward the biggest prize of the season: the 2025 Melges 24 World Championship, taking place in Trieste from 20–27 September, hosted by Yacht Club Adriaco. The heat is on as the road to Worlds 2025 reaches full speed.

Interview with IM24CA Chair Laura Grondin and Italian Melges 24 Class President Marcello Caldonazzo Arvedi.

Full results & Notice Board of the Riva event 
Photos of the event © Zerogradinord 
2025 Melges 24 Italian Open Championship - 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series 3rd event

Fraglia Vela Riva website: fragliavelariva.it 
IM24CA website: melges24.com  
ITA M24CA website: melges24.it

Social Media 
Instagram accounts - IM24CA | ITA M24CA 
Facebook accounts - IM24CA 
#melges24 #m24ess

Event Press Officer and Photographer 
Mauro Melandri - Zerogradinord

More details of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series available at: https://www.melges24.com/europeansailingseries