Melges 20 European Championship starts in Sibenik

by Melges 20 on 12 Jul 2017 The Melges 20 World League is on the verge of its ninth global event (out of 16 sanctioned, worldwide) spanning three continents (Asia, Europe and North America).

Fresh on the heels of a very successful Sail Newport Regatta (championed by Drew Freides' Pacific Yankee, also current Melges 20 World League North American Division leader), all attention turns to the 2017 Melges 20 European Championship hosted in stunning Sibenik, Croatia.

Starting on Wednesday, July 12 and running through Saturday, July 15, the European Championship will award more Melges 20 World League points to a very lucky winner.

All bets are on a field of competitors that is excited to be racing on the gorgeous Adriatic waters of Sibenik, however there are a select few teams that have had the opportunity to taste what the Croatian breezes have to offer. Familiar faces are widespread in Sibenik for the European Championship, a stage known for hosting great international sailboat racing events.

The fight for the European crown and the power struggle that accompanies such a position is about to begin. Thus far, there has been three different winners at each stage in 2017 - the Russian Vladimir Prosikhin aboard Nika (Porto Venere), Achille Onorato's Mascalzone Latino Jr. (Scarlino) and Alexander Ezhkov's Pirogovo (Zadar). However, not one of these teams is seated at the helm of the 2017 Melges 20 World League Ranking. Instead, Igor Rytov sailing Russian Bogatyrs is in control and ready to defend his position.

The Melges 20 World League fleet, after the excellent organization in Zadar, returns as a guest of D-Marin and its high quality standards of excellence at D-Marin Mandalina.

Thirty-eight teams, representing thirteen nations will compete for the European Championship title starting on Wednesday at 13:30.

The Melges 20 World League European Division is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Toremar, Lavazza and Barracuda Communication.