Melges 24 European Sailing Series - Action underway in Portoroz

by International Melges 24 Class Association on 29 Mar 2014 The first day of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2014 in Portoroz was blessed with sunshine and steady wind. After the relaxing morning in the marina, sailors hit the water at noon to sail their first races. The first event of Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2014 will take place from 28th March to 30th March with 24 crews from 10 nations competing.

The north/east wind filled the bay in the early hours allowing the race committee to start the event according to the schedule. After four races sailed Altea (ITA) is leading the 24 boats fleet, ahead of Audi team and Storm Capital Sail Racing. »Other crews had one bad performance while we were very constant throughout the day. We are very satisfied with the outcome. It's actually better that what we were hoping for,« admitted Andrea Racchelli who collected 14 points of advantage in front of Riccardo Simoneschi's Audi team (ITA) and Storm Capital Racing (NOR). 'We arrived here only yesterday,' said the helmsman of the latter. 'After 20 hours of driving we were quite tired but a short rest was enough to recharge our batteries. Besides that, we have still snow in Norway while here it's already spring. The weather and temperatures are just perfect. We really enjoyed racing and are really satisfied with the results so far,' said Peder Jahre.

The event is also valid as Slovenian national championship and for Agapeja it's the first race after almost two years of absence. 'Initially I was completely out of shape. I lost the feeling and we weren't functioning as one. However in the last race we pulled out the best of us. The start was perfect and all the manoeuvres were smooth. This victory is very important for us, it keeps our spirits high,' said a motivated Hinko Golias, eleventh overall and second in the Slovenian ranking. On top of the national chart is Jure Jerkovi? with Atena. 'Of course we are thrilled to be amongst the top ten. This was our goal and we hope to continue like that,' said Jerkovi?, before joining other competitors at pasta party.