Trieste, Italy - The racecourse of the Yacht Club Adriaco in Trieste set the stage for an exhilarating start to the Melges 24 Sailing Series 2024. With perfect conditions boasting an average wind speed of 12 knots from the west, sailors were treated to a thrilling showcase of skill and competition.

Leading the fleet after an impressive display of prowess is the Croatian entry of Lukasz Podniesinski, Razjaren, helmed by the talented Ante Cesic. Despite a modest start with a sixth-place finish in the initial race, Cesic and his crew rallied with an exceptional trio of first-place victories, establishing a commanding position atop the overall standings.

Ante Cesic, the helmsman of Razjaren: "Today was an intense day on the water with four races pushing our limits. While we had a slow start in the first one, we quickly adjusted our strategy and unleashed our true potential. Three commanding victories followed, It was all about controlling the competition and finishing the job with precision."

In close pursuit is the renowned Zhik Race Team from Britain, led by Miles Quinton, and steered by Geoff Carveth. The team delivered a strong performance with consistent placements, securing second place with just a four-point gap behind the provisional leader.

Making waves among the Italian contingent is the esteemed Strambapapà, skippered by Michele Paoletti, the reigning European and Italian champion. Paoletti graciously handed over the reins to a group of promising local sailors for this event led by Leonardo Centuori, demonstrating the spirit of mentorship within the sailing community. Despite the change in leadership, Strambapapà showcased its strength, claiming third place in the standings.

Rounding out the provisional top five are the dynamic Arkanoè skippered by Sergio Caramel, and the formidable Chinook led by Akos Csolto from Hungary, each demonstrating remarkable skill and determination on the water.

The Melges 24 Sailing Series 2024 promises to deliver a thrilling season of competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. As the action unfolds over the coming days, the fans can expect more thrilling races and captivating performances from the world's top Melges 24 sailors.