Razjaren wins Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup 2025 Season opener in Biograd
by Press Cro Melges 11 Mar 07:43 PDT
8-9 March 2025
With the start of the 2025 season, the esteemed European Melges 24 champions, the crew of Razjaren, have demonstrated their continued dominance by achieving a resounding first-place victory at the season opener regatta of the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup in Biograd, marking the commencement of Croatia's most prestigious sailing competition.
The opening day of the Biograd regatta, hosted at the scenic Marina Kornati and expertly organized by the Briva Sailing Club, was characterized by gentle westerly winds, conducive to the completion of four thrilling races. These races saw three distinct victors, with Razjaren, Palminanova, and Mataran 24 each claiming a race win. Despite strategic adjustments to the Razjaren crew, which included the integration of Croatian 49er FX Olympic sailor Andela De Micheli Vitturi as helmswoman, the team's performance remained exceptionally formidable. Their impressive record of two race wins and two second-place finishes on Saturday firmly established their leading position. As Sunday's scheduled races were unfortunately canceled due to a lack of wind, Razjaren was officially declared the winner of the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup Biograd, holding a decisive three-point advantage over Mataran 24 and a five-point lead over Luka Sangulin's Panjic.
"We implemented a strategic change in our onboard roles, aiming to challenge ourselves beyond our comfort zones and foster further team development. This tactical maneuver proved to be highly effective, as we launched our defense of the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup overall title with a triumphant victory," articulated Ante Cesic, who adeptly assumed the role of tactician during this regatta, deviating from his customary helmsman position.
Adding to the Cesic family's success, Stjepan Cesic claimed the top spot in the Corinthian division, guiding Little A to victory ahead of Panjic Junior and Blue Label.
"Following our Croatian Championship title win in Hvar last November, we decided to infuse our crew with youthful energy. Consequently, Ivan and Andrea Juric joined us in Biograd and performed admirably, seamlessly integrating into their respective roles," explained Little A's crew Domagoj Jaklin, highlighting the team's strategic rejuvenation.
The Biograd regatta also marked the highly anticipated debut of the junior category, specifically designed for crews under the age of 24. Panjic Junior, skillfully helmed by the talented 17-year-old Lucijan Jakovljev, clinched the inaugural victory in this promising division.
The second installment of the six-regatta Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup, proudly supported by esteemed partners Angelina Yacht Charter, Sailing Point Hrvatska, North Sails, One Sails, Akvarij Digital Studio, regate.com.hr, Raiser Digital Agency, ProMarine, EmergenSea, and Dustom Sails, is scheduled to take place the following weekend in Zadar (March 15-16), under the organization of the Uskok Sailing Club.