Perfect Rehearsal for Europeans: Razjaren Dominates Split CRO Melges 24 Cup
24 September 2024 - Split, Croatia - A thrilling three-day showdown at the Split CRO Melges 24 Cup, held from September 21st to 23rd, brought together 19 eager crews from Croatia and six other European nations, including Austria, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, and Great Britain.
In the race, which is part of the European Sailing Series for the Melges 24 class, Razjaren, helmed by Ante Ćesić, took the top honors. They clinched first place, finishing ahead of Cezibordo, helmed by Enia Ninčević Dujmović, while third place went to the Hungarian crew of Akos Csolto aboard Chinook. In the Corinthian category, it was Chinook who claimed the top spot, followed by Miles Quinton's Zhik Race Team (GBR) in second and Croatia's Andrej Šooš Maceljski's Sugar Daddy in third.
The Split CRO Melges 24 Cup served as an ideal warm-up for sailors ahead of the upcoming European Championship. With their impressive victory on home waters, the Razjaren crew cemented their status as serious contenders for top placements, securing two first and two second places in the four races completed.
One standout moment came from Cezibordo, who celebrated their first-ever victory in the CRO Melges 24 Cup on the second day of racing. Reflecting on the triumph, Enia Ninčević Dujmović, Cezibordo's helmsman, commented:
"The day has finally come for Cezibordo to score a bullet. We expected lighter winds, which played to our advantage. The European Championship will be a different game, though. With over 40 crews expected, we must prepare for some serious competition."
Another consistent performer was the Zhik Race Team from Great Britain, who have become regulars on the Dalmatian sailing circuit. They claimed second in the Corinthian division and finished just outside the podium in the overall standings, taking fourth place.
"We love coming here. Northern Europe is already bracing for winter, but in Split, we're sailing in short sleeves! The Croatian fleet is strong and competitive, making every race a pleasure," said Miles Quinton of the Zhik Race Team.
In just a few days, JK Split will host another prestigious sailing event—the European Championship for the Melges 24 class, running from September 27 to October 4. Over 40 boats and several hundred sailors from 11 countries, including Croatia, the USA, Great Britain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary, are already confirmed.
The CRO Melges 24 Cup is made possible with the support of Angelina Yacht Charter, Sailing Point Hrvatska, North Sails, One Sails, digital studio Akvarij, regate.com.hr, Raiser digital agency, EmergenSea, and Dustom Sails.
CRO867 Razjaren - Split CRO MElges 24 Cup 2024
Razjaren CRO867 - the winner of the pre-Europeans 2024, Split CRO Melges 24 Cup 2024
