2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series: The Blockbuster event is ready to go

In just over a week, the Melges 24 European Sailing Series will spring back to life — bringing together teams who’ve been sharpening their skills on the iconic “winter regatta” courses in Croatia and those who’ve been soaking up the sun in Florida. Speaking of which, did you catch Peter Karrie’s Nefeli triumph at the 2025 Bacardi Invitational Cup, and Ivo Matic’s Mataran 24 claiming victory at the most recent Croatian regatta? The past few weeks have seen Melges 24 teams fine-tuning their game, gearing up for a season that promises to unfold all at once.

It’s a catchy phrase — but one backed by substance: a 30-year legacy of the most iconic one-design keelboat ever built, the excellent stewardship of the International Melges 24 Class Association (driven by owners, for owners), a proactive Technical Committee (which recently updated the Class Rules with exciting innovations), and strong statistics that continue to favour the Reichel-Pugh design. Just look at the Melges 24 World Championship set for Trieste this September: within days of opening entries, 40 teams had already signed up. Sixty boats on the start line is now well within reach.

But that’s still ahead. Between now and the Worlds, the road is packed with regattas — and plenty of stories yet to be told.

First up: the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series opening act takes place in Opatija, Croatia. Hosted by Yacht Club Croatia at ACI Marina Ičići and organized in collaboration with the highly active Croatian Melges 24 Class, the event runs from April 3–6. The Croatian class, now the second largest in the world, proudly holds both the European title and the European Sailing Series crown thanks to Razjaren (CRO), owned by Lukasz Podniesinski and helmed by Ante Česić. The class’s energy and growth are further fueled by its flagship circuit, the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup.

Seventeen entries are confirmed for the Opatija regatta, including the reigning Continental Champion and serious contenders such as the Corinthian World Champions aboard Mataran 24, helmed by Ante Botica, along with Luka Šangulin’s Panjic (CRO) and Ivan Kljaković Gašpić’s Palminanova (CRO). In the Corinthian division, teams like Miles Quinton’s Zhik Race Team (GBR), Akos Csolto’s Chinook (HUN), and Stipe Česić’s Little A (CRO) will face off against returning powerhouse Taki 4, helmed by Niccolo Bertola — a multi-time Corinthian World Champion and former key figure within the International Melges 24 Class.

This first event will set the tone for the season. From Opatija, the Series continues to Trogir for the Croatian Open Nationals (May 1–4), then moves to Riva del Garda (May 23–25) for one of the most iconic lake regattas — also serving as the Melges 24 Italian Championship.

Event four takes us north to Struer, Denmark (June 20–22). Then, two regattas will run concurrently: in the north, Grundig Hankø Race Week in Norway (June 26–29), and further south, the Austrian National Championship on Lake Attersee (June 27–29), a favourite among Melges 24 sailors.

The seventh stage will bring the fleet back to the Adriatic in Monfalcone (July 4–7), where an increased turnout is expected, as this will mark the final stretch leading up to the Melges 24 World Championship — which will also serve as the Series finale. Note the Early Bird Entry deadline is approaching on April 1st.

Before the Worlds, two more National Championships will take place in Northern Europe: Middelfart, Denmark (August 29–31), and Fredrikstad, Norway (September 4–6). For those already eyeing the Worlds in the South, there’s also a chance to test the Trieste waters at the Pre-Worlds, scheduled for September 5–7.

Ivo Matic, owner of Mataran 24 (CRO), with Ante Botica at the helm:

“For Mataran 24, the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup season began with a strong second-place finish in Biograd and a well-earned victory in Zadar. Our focus now shifts to the Melges 24 European Sailing Series, where we expect demanding and highly competitive racing. The Opatija regatta, in particular — known for the strong presence of the Italian fleet — always presents a great challenge. The spring season will peak with the Trogir regatta, which combines the European Series and the Croatian Championship. It’s already drawing significant interest from top international teams.”

Davor Jelaca, owner of Blue Label (CRO) and representative of Sailing Club Croatia, host of the Opatija regatta:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Melges 24 teams from across Europe and beyond to the beautiful town of Opatija for an exciting sailing event. Hosted by Yacht Club Croatia, this regatta promises top-tier competition, great sailing conditions, and a fantastic atmosphere on and off the water. Come see how competitive we are on the racecourse — and how friendly we are ashore. Test your skills against Croatia’s best and some of the top international teams, and experience the thrill of Melges 24 racing. We look forward to seeing you in Opatija. Fair winds!”