Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2024, Razjaren lead

The Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2024 kicked into high gear on its second day of competition in Trieste, hosted by the prestigious Yacht Club Adriaco. Despite variable conditions ranging from 6 to 20 knots, with challenging gusts of the iconic Bora wind, sailors showcased their skill and determination in two tricky races.

 Maintaining their impressive performance from the previous day, the Croatian team Razjaren of Lukasz Podniesinski, steered by Ante Cesic, solidified its position at the top of the leaderboard seven points and a nine-point margin ahead of the contenders.

 As anticipation builds for the final day of racing, contenders intensify their pursuit of podium glory, with three more races on the agenda.

 A standout highlight of the day was the remarkable feat achieved by Michele Paoletti’s Strambapapà (ITA). Entrusting the helm to a talented team of young sailors led by Leonardo Centuori, they clinched their maiden victory in the Melges 24 European Sailing Series, showcasing remarkable potential following yesterday's commendable third-place finish.

 Strambapapà emerges as a central figure, surging to second place (16 pts) in the provisional overall standings and leading among the Corinthian teams. Despite encountering a challenge with a black flag penalty in the sixth race, they hold a narrow one-point advantage over Miles Quinton’s Zhik Race Team (GBR), steered by Geoff Carveth (17 pts).

 Leonardo Centuori, helmsman of Strambapapà: "For us, winning a race in such a competitive class after only a few outings on the Melges 24 has been an incredibly emotional experience. We began to familiarize ourselves with the boat thanks to two exceptional coaches, Michele Paoletti and Giovanna Micol, who have been guiding us from the coach boat during these races. We are a group of dinghy sailors; I come from the 420 and now the Waszp. We are bonding as a team, and tomorrow, we will strive to learn even more about this splendid and legendary boat on which we have the great honor and pleasure to compete."

 The provisional top five is rounded out by Vertigo (ITA, 18 pts) under Antonio Masoli's helm, which secured victory in the sixth race. Meanwhile, Arkanoè (ITA), skippered by Sergio Caramel (29 pts) maintains fifth place, although it is currently distant from the podium contention.

Anticipation mounts for the final day of racing, promising further excitement and spectacle as competitors vie for victory in this captivating first leg of the Melges 24 European circuit.

 The first warning signal for the final day will be given on Sunday at 10 a.m.