Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2025 in Monfalcone - Overall

by International Melges 24 Class Association 7 Jul 06:15 UTC 4-6 July 2025

Patience was rewarded on the final day in Monfalcone, where the Race Committee made the most of a light southwesterly breeze that filled in just when it seemed unlikely. With conditions stabilising around 6.5-7 knots from 210 degrees, the fleet completed three final races, bringing the total to nine and concluding the seventh act of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series in style.

It was a particularly memorable day for Paolo Brescia, who marked his 55th birthday by guiding Melgina to overall victory with an impressive scoreline of 2-3-3 on the final day. His consistent performance allowed Melgina to overtake early regatta leader Nefeli (3-4-7), skippered by Peter Karrie, who ultimately finished third overall. In between, Michele Paoletti's Strambapapà delivered an exceptional final push (1-1-2) to secure second place.

"Today was one of the best birthday presents I could imagine," said Paolo Brescia, celebrating his 55th birthday with a victory aboard Melgina. "We were second until yesterday, and the conditions today were very tricky, but the team did a great job. Stefano read the breeze perfectly, and we stayed calm and fast. The racing was tight, with three boats within a point of each other, but we pulled it off. Monfalcone was a real surprise - not just an industrial port, but a beautiful venue that brought people together. It was a fantastic event."

"We're really happy with this event in Monfalcone - nine races in three days with a mix of conditions: sea breeze, Bora, and light winds," said local sailor Michele Paoletti, 2022 Melges 24 European Champion and helmsman of Strambapapà, who finished second overall. "Honestly, I didn't expect we'd be able to complete the full program, knowing this Gulf, but we've been lucky. As for our performance, it kept improving every day. We've only recently returned to the class and haven't had many racing days yet this season, so we're using every chance we get to train and get better. This area has proven lucky for the Melges 24 fleet - Trieste and now Monfalcone - so let's hope that continues."

The Corinthian division also saw a shake-up on the final day. Hungary's Ákos Csoltó and his team on Chinook surged to the top of the Corinthian rankings—and fourth overall—with a strong finish of 6-2-1, demonstrating remarkable tactical acumen. They finished ten points ahead of Zhik Race Team (4-7-4), led by Miles Quinton, with Vertigo (5-9-11) of Antonio Masoli rounding out the Corinthian podium.

"It was a special event here in Monfalcone," said Chinook crew member Botond Weöres, winner of the Corinthian division. "The venue, with the new Red Bull setup, created a great atmosphere, and we really enjoyed the hospitality. The wind was variable, and we actually sailed with one crew member less than usual, which helped us in the lighter breeze but made the stronger conditions a challenge. Still, we had fun and we're getting more and more ready for the Worlds. And there's another Hungarian boat joining too - so we're excited for what's coming."

This regatta, hosted by Yacht Club Monfalcone in collaboration with the International Melges 24 Class Association and the Italian Melges 24 Class, also served as the second leg of the Italian Melges 24 circuit - Trofeo Gaudì, dedicated to the memory of the recently passed Melges 24 class beloved stalwart Gaudenzio Bonini.

The Melges 24 European Sailing Series will now shift northward with two important events on the horizon: the Melges 24 Danish National Championship in Middelfart, Denmark from August 29-31, followed closely by the Melges 24 Norwegian Open hosted by Fredrikstad Yacht Club in Norway from September 4-6. Both events will offer 1.25 series weighting and provide valuable opportunities for northern teams to climb the season standings.

However, the most critical tune-up on the #RoadToTriesteWorlds will come just days later at the Coppa Tito Nordio 2025 - Trofeo Gaudì Event #3 - Pre-Worlds, scheduled in Trieste from September 5-7. This regatta will serve as the final major rehearsal before the spotlight turns fully to the 2025 Melges 24 World Championship, the pinnacle of the season and the ultimate test of one-design excellence.

Overall Results: (top ten, 18 entries, 9 races, 1 discard)

1. MELGINA (ITA854) Paolo Brescia - (3, 2, 1, 4, 1, [3], 2, 3, 3) - 18 pts
2. STRAMBAPAPA' (ITA689) Michele Paoletti - (2, 5, 3, 3, 2, [14], 1, 1, 2) - 19 pts
3. NEFELI (GER673) Peter Karrie - (1, 1, 2, 1, 3, [11], 3, 4, 7) - 22 pts
4. CHINOOK (HUN850) Ákos Csoltó - (10, 3, 7, 9, 4, [2], 6, 2, 1) - 34 pts (Corinthian)
5. ZHIK RACE TEAM (GBR694) Miles Quinton - (6, 6, 6, 5, 6, [16], 4, 7, 4) - 44 pts (Corinthian)
6. VERTIGO (ITA730) Antonio Masoli - (13, 7, 4, 2, 9, [1], 5, 9, 11) - 48 pts (Corinthian)
7. WHITE ROOM (GER677) Luis Tarabochia - (4, 4, 8, 6, 8, [15], 8, 6, 5) - 49 pts (Corinthian)
8. DAITO NANO (ITA748) Dino Orioli - (7, 9, 5, 7, 10, [4], 7, 10, 9) - 58 pts
9. HEDGEHOG AMERICANO (DEN634) Stefano Lapo - (12, 8, 9, 13, 15, [8], 11, 8, 6) - 75 pts (Corinthian)
10. LA FEMME TERRIBLE (ITA638) Mauro Brescacin - (5, 15, 10, 8, 5, [17], 9, 14, 16) - 82 pts (Corinthian)

Related Articles

Melges 24 European Series in Monfalcone day 2
The Melges 24 fleet flies on early morning Bora as Nefeli retains the lead The Bora wind made its mark on the second day of the seventh event of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, also serving as the second stage of the 2025 Trofeo Gaudi, hosted by Yacht Club Monfalcone. Posted on 5 Jul
Melges 24 European Series in Monfalcone day 1
Nefeli sets the pace after three races The seventh leg of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, hosted by Yacht Club Monfalcone, kicked off in promising conditions with a steady 10-knot breeze from 220 degrees. Posted on 4 Jul
Melges24 European Series in Monfalcone Preview
The venue is a top-tier sailing hub in the Adriatic region With just under three months to go until the highlight of the Melges 24 season - the World Championship in Trieste - the class continues to build momentum with the next stop of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, held in Monfalcone, Italy. Posted on 3 Jul
Melges24 European Sailing Series mid-season update
Southern teams dominate as Northern events heat up With five ranking events completed in the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, the standings showcase fierce competition, particularly driven by the Central and Southern European fleets. Posted on 3 Jul
Multiple 2025 Melges 24 ranking circuits heat up
Collectively more than 100 team entries have hit the starting line in pursuit of glory With summer in full swing, the 2025 Melges 24 racing season has hit its stride across North America, and the momentum is building. Posted on 23 Jun
Melges 24 US Nationals open for entries
Online Registration is officially open for Pensacola event in November The U.S. Melges 24 Class is thrilled to announce that Online Registration is officially open for the 2025 U.S. National Championship, hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club (PYC) on November 14-16, 2025. Posted on 18 Jun
Melges 24 European Sailing Series rankings update
48 teams from 11 nations have already contributed to a dynamic and diverse leaderboard The 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series is well under way, with three competitive events completed and the season heating up ahead of the World Championship in Trieste. Posted on 10 Jun
Melges 24 European Sailing Series event 3 overall
Dark Energy takes the win in Riva as Melgina claims the Italian title The final day of a thrilling regatta in Riva del Garda delivered everything the Melges 24 Class is known for: tight racing, changing leads, and a nail-biting finish. Posted on 25 May
Melges 24 European Sailing Series event 3 day 2
With the Ora fading, Dark Energy steps on the gas in Riva Even with the famed Ora breeze softening slightly, Day 2 of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series third event at Fraglia Vela Riva kept the momentum going. Posted on 24 May
Melges 24 European Sailing Series event 3 day 1
After a spectacular day of racing, Melgina leads the ranking in Riva At the end of three high-intensity races, the early lead belongs to Paolo Brescia's Melgina (ITA854), whose consistent scores of 1-2-6 place them at the top of the provisional standings. Posted on 24 May
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo S Series