2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series Preview: Trogir set to host pivotal second event this weekend
by International Melges 24 Class Association 30 Apr 2025 11:24 PDT
May 1–4, 2025
This weekend, May 1-4, the historic coastal town of Trogir in Croatia will host the second event of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series. Known for its Outdoor Festival, picturesque waterfront, and as home to the two-time Melges 24 Corinthian World Champions Mataran 24, Trogir is ready to welcome a strong international Melges 24 fleet for what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
Following a light-wind season opener in Opatija, hopes are high for steadier breeze and more action on the water. Trogir marks the fourth and final event of the 2025 Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup. With national, Cup, and European Series points all on the line, this weekend's regatta will be decisive on every level.
As of now, 22 teams are registered, including seven international crews.
Among them is Michele Paoletti's Strambapapa (ITA), fresh off their victory in Opatija. Also competing is the German-Italian powerhouse Nefeli, skippered by Peter Karrie, winners of the 2025 Bacardi Invitational Regatta in Miami. The British team Zhik Race Team (GBR), led by Miles Quinton with Geoff Carveth on the helm, returns to the Adriatic, while Croatia will welcome for the first time the Hungarian team Hod, skippered by Bujaky Attila.
The Croatian fleet will be out in full force, as all top teams are expected to compete for both the Croatian National Title and the Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup Trophy. Last year, Razjaren, helmed by Ante Cesic, dominated the season, winning the CRO Melges 24 Cup, the national championship, and the Melges 24 European Championship. Their success has clearly motivated their rivals, setting up an unpredictable and competitive finale.
In the current Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup standings, Ivo Matic's Mataran 24 (helmed by Ante Botica) leads with 48 points, just one point ahead of Panjic (Luka Šangulin). Razjaren sits third with 42 points. With double points awarded at the final regatta, everything is still up for grabs.
"We're looking forward to a brilliant regatta in Trogir, with a strong fleet of elite sailors. The overall Cup trophy is the only one missing from our collection, and we hope we can finally bring it home — especially on our home waters," said Ante Botica, helmsman of Mataran 24, a team that proudly holds two Corinthian World titles and two European titles.
Up to nine races are scheduled across three days to determine the season's champions.
Trogir, with its scenic old town and Kamerlengo Tower, once again provides a stunning setting for the regatta. For the third consecutive year, the event will open the Trogir Outdoor Festival, combining elite racing with a vibrant celebration of outdoor sports and culture.
"For the third year in a row, the strongest Croatian sailing series is launching the Trogir Outdoor Festival," said Tudor Bilic, President of the Trogir Sailing Club. "With support from numerous partners, our club continues to raise the bar in organizing top-level events to promote both Trogir and the sport of sailing. The Melges 24 fleet will be moored in front of the Kamerlengo Fortress — bringing the action closer to spectators and celebrating one of Europe's strongest Melges 24 fleets."
Bilic, a decorated Star class sailor with two World Championship silver medals and a European title, highlighted the importance of combining competition with public engagement. As part of the regatta, the Trogir Sailing Club will also organize the Bicerin Festival, featuring creative workshops and live music to further connect the sailing community with the local audience.
The Luki Baustoffe CRO Melges 24 Cup is proudly supported by Angelina Yacht Charter, Sailing Point Hrvatska, North Sails, One Sails, digital studio Akvarij, regate.com.hr, Raiser digital agency, ProMarine, EmergenSea, and Dustom Sails.
More details of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series available at: www.melges24.com/europeansailingseries.