Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026 - Sunrise Start Shakes Up the Leaderboard in Opatija

11.04.2026

Sunrise racing and first discard shake up the leaderboard with MELGINA on top and Corinthians in the mix

11 April 2026, Opatija, Croatia - An early sunrise start proved decisive on Day 2 of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026 opener in Opatija, where a proactive call from the organisers–Yacht Club Croatia and the Croatian Melges 24 Class–allowed the fleet to capitalise on a narrow morning breeze window.

With the first warning signal at 07:30, the Race Committee moved efficiently to complete four races by 11:00, navigating shifty and demanding conditions that tested both teamwork and precision across the fleet. The effort brought the regatta to seven races in total, with the first discard now applied, reshaping the overall standings.

Paolo Brescia's MELGINA ITA854 - Opatija CRO Melges 24 Cup 2026 - Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026

Tomislav Krišto

Italy’s MELGINA, helmed by Paolo Brescia, used consistency to climb into the overall lead (today’s races 7-1-4-8), while a strong and steady performance and race win from TAKI 4, led by Niccolò Bertola, places the Italian team at the top of the Corinthian standings (6-4-2-1).

Behind them, Croatia’s RAZJAREN helmed by Ante Cesic, emerged as one of the standout performers of the day, delivering a significant turnaround after a challenging opening (1-3-3-2).

“We had two new crew members join yesterday, so things didn’t quite click at first,” explained Antonio Milišić from the RAZJAREN crew. “But today we found our rhythm. Everything started working much better, and the results show it.”

Sailing in highly variable conditions, the team demonstrated sharp improvement throughout the morning. “It was really tough out there–very shifty–but we managed to stay consistent. I think we were in the top three in all four races today, which is a huge step forward from yesterday,” Milišić added.

The role of coordination on board proved critical, particularly in a class where precision in manoeuvres can define results. “On the Melges, everything forward of the mast has to be spot on–hoists, drops, timing. Today, we were much more in sync, and that made the difference.”

RAZJAREN CRO867 by Ante Cesic - Opatija CRO Melges 24 Cup 2026 - Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026

Tomislav Krišto

Day 2 also underlined the strength and depth of the Corinthian fleet, with amateur teams continuing to make a strong impact on the overall standings. Three Corinthian crews now sit within the Top 5 overall, highlighting the fleet's competitive balance.

TAKI 4 ITA778 with Niccolo Bertola at the helm - Opatija CRO Melges 24 Cup 2026 - Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026

Tomislav Krišto

With TAKI 4 leading the Corinthian ranking, followed closely by Akos Csolto’s CHINOOK, who won Race 6, and LITTLE A by Stjepan Cesic, the battle within the division remains tight and highly competitive heading into the final day.

Akos Csolto's CHINOOK HUN850 - Opatija CRO Melges 24 Cup 2026 - Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026

Tomislav Krišto

The success of the early start was particularly notable given the expectations. “This morning we thought there might be no wind at all,” Milišić said. “But in the end, we got four races in. Compared to last year, when we only managed one or two races over several days, this is a great outcome for the regatta.”

With two more races scheduled for Sunday morning, and the first warning signal again set for 07:30, the opening event of the 2026 series is set for a decisive conclusion.

Overall Top 5 after seven races and a discard:

ITA854 MELGINA Paolo Brescia (1-2-2-7-1-4-(8)) 17
CRO867 RAZJAREN Ante Cesić ((7)-6-5-1-3-3-2) 20
ITA778 TAKI 4 Niccolò Bertola (Corinthian) (6-5-(11)-6-4-2-1) 24
HUN850 CHINOOK Akos Csolto (Corinthian) (5-(8)-4-2-6-1-7) 25
CRO728 LITTLE A Stjepan Cesić (Corinthian) ((10)-4-3-4-8-5-9) 33

Corinthian Top 5 after seven races and a discard:

ITA778 TAKI 4 Niccolò Bertola (6-5-(11)-6-4-2-1) 24
HUN850 CHINOOK Akos Csolto (5-(8)-4-2-6-1-7) 25
CRO728 LITTLE A Stjepan Cesić ((10)-4-3-4-8-5-9) 33
GBR694 ZHIK RACE TEAM Geoffrey Carveth (3-9-8-5-9-(12)-4) 38
GER677 WHITE ROOM Luis Tarabochia ((15)-7-6-9-10-6-3) 41

Full results
Photos - Tomislav Krišto
CRO Melges 24 Cup 2026 - Opatija
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CRO M24CA website: cromelges24.hr

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

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