MEL-784 2009 M32 Yearbook:IM32CA - the Melges 32 Class ...

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Global Fleet Reports from afar. It was this event in particular that really struck a chord. Everyone took notice as the Melges 32 was the most followed one design class in attendance. 28 Michael Illbruck. ©2008 JOY | IM32CA R.A.C.E. In The U.S.A. The Melges 32 Class achieved great success in the North American regatta market in 2008. It experienced tremendous growth from coast to coast, not only in fleet size, but also the number of venues the class participated. In total, 8 high-quality events, complimented by exquisite sailing destinations, made 2008 a year to remember. The official racing season commenced in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at the Winter Tune-up Regatta in late December 2007. This event really got things going with one of the higher event participation levels — a record eighteen teams. The fleet traveled next to Key West, where an impressive 27 teams raced for five days at one of the worlds best venues for one-design competition. This was the largest gathering of Melges 32s ever. The ACURA Miami Grand Prix concluded the 2008 Winter Series with another astounding turnout of 20. All three events were well attended by U.S. entrants with international presence from the UK, Canada, Germany and Italy. Since 2007, the Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD has served as the Melges 32 East Coast Championship. Annapolis spawned another great turnout where more than 14 boats competed. This event led up to the U.S. Nationals held in Newport, R.I. at the New York Yacht Club’s prestigious Race Week at Newport, presented by Rolex. Twenty-two teams set another record, making the Nationals the largest ever. Another event, two years in the running for the Melges 32, was the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, Calif. during mid-September. The attendance level during 2007 was exceeded by 2. Nine teams total competed — three international entrants among them, proving that the Melges 32 is a great success on the West Coast scene, simultaneously proving its ability to draw international teams And last, but certainly not least, was the inaugural 2008 Melges 32 Gold Cup Regatta hosted at the beginning of December by the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Once again, this event kicked off the 2009 racing season. Despite higher rumored attendance levels, the unpredictable financial world economy took its toll, however a record-breaking 20 entries still made a show, and what a show it was. Some of the world’s best sailors were on hand to compete. Fresh off of receiving ISAF Recognized Class status and the formal appointment of Jeff Ecklund as International Melges 32 Class President, this event was a celebration of its current success, as well as all that awaits the fleet in 2009. What is in store for 2009? The 2009 Melges 32 USA Sailing Series! This elite collection of events, carefully selected to accentuate the Melges 32 positives — tight, competitive racing, participation at high profile events, as well as the addition of stand alone events preserving the spirit of the class, encouraging more owner enjoyment as well as higher participation in some of America’s most beautiful and prestigious yachting venues. You can bet that the 2009 racing schedule in North America will be as exciting as 2008. Although a deteriorating world economy looms, fleet growth continues. The interest level for the boat and accumulation of new owners and racers remain high. The number of events has increased for 2009 as well, as a more concentrated approach to growing fleets locally — facilitated by the first West Coast National Championship. Peter Taselaar. ©2008 JOY | IM32CA 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Fleet Reports | www.melges32.com
European Excitement The Melges 32 International Class made its formal debut in Europe last February, when it announced its formal partnership with Audi. The Audi Sailing Series is a concept developed in the recent years and in 2008, it was dedicated for a full season of racing with the Melges 32. Audi, Melges Europe and the IM32CA worked closely together to make the Melges 32 the most attractive one-design owner/driver sportboat Class. From the start, the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series was well received — everyone knew that this would be huge. In the end, the regatta circuit was an overall success, considering that the Melges 32 is still growing in Europe. It has attracted owners from many ‘other’ fleets demonstrating that it has full potential and that it is a great boat for a large group of owners. The 2009 season will be filled with many more milestones. With ISAF recognition, Europe is proudly looking forward to holding a Worlds in one of the best sailing venues of the world — Porto Cervo. Audi, thanks to the partnership signed with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, has been key in securing this venue for the event. The Class expects 18-20 boats at every single event of the 2009 Audi Sailing Series circuit and hopes to host potentially more than 25 boats for Worlds. Of course, the European Melges 32 Class is very excited about the potential for the attendance of boats from North America. The Class and Melges Europe are working on logistics and chartering packages for overseas owners who may be interested in competing. 29 The 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series (AM32SS) comprised of five events and more than 15 boats from Italy, Germany and the UK participated. At each event, the fleet could count on more than 10 boats to be on the starting line — Malcesine, Cagliari, Cala de Medici, Santa Margherita Ligure and finally, Lerici completed the destinations. Each venue boasted an exemplary ‘social package’. A very special thanks goes to Michael Illbruck and his Pinta Racing Team, as they were fantastic in organizing great activities before and after races. Besides the AM32SS, 2008 has produced many more highlight moments of achievement for the Melges 32 in Europe, including its acceptance at the Primo Cup in Monte Carlo, the formation of a European Owner Committee, ISAF recognition, as well as the announcement of a World Championship to be held in beautiful Sardinia, Italy. 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici. ©2008 Stefano Gattini | b-Plan 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici. ©2008 Stefano Gattini | b-Plan All The Way Australia In the land down under, the Melges 32 continues to generate a high level of interest and grow the national fleet. Like all Melges boats that are becoming common to the Australian sailing scene, the Melges 32 is a breath of fresh air for the Aussie sailing market delivering fun, competitive racing to the Asia Pacific rim. Highly acclaimed international events such as the 2008 Asian Regatta and Hamilton Island Race Week remain as favorites for current and potential owners who are keen to participate. A new Melges 32 was delivered to Japan in 2008, increasing the possibility of more fleet growth in Asia. While in the Oceanic region, Hamilton Island is a popular venue offering ideal conditions for sailing the Melges 32. Downwind runs really showcase its powerhouse profile and supersonic personality. For more information about the Melges 32 in Australia and Asia, please visit melges.com.au. Full updates, event announcements and a complete schedule can be found online at the official website and blog of the International Melges 32 Class Association, www.melges32.com and blog.melges32.com.
Page 1 and 2: The Official Magazine of the Intern
Page 5 and 6: 2009 M32 Yearbook Table of Contents
Page 7 and 8: International Melges 32 Class Presi
Page 10 and 11: 10 ACURA Key West 2008 | Midwinter
Page 12 and 13: RBBS Rolex Big Boat Series St. Fran
Page 14 and 15: 14 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Seri
Page 16 and 17: 16 Ferdinando Battistella. ©2008 S
Page 18 and 19: 1. ACURA Key West 2009 Jan. 19-23 2
Page 20 and 21: 20 Terry McSweeney | Ron Copfer | T
Page 22 and 23: International Melges 32 Hall of Fam
Page 24 and 25: 25 Chanel Miller. ©2008 JOY | IM32
Page 26 and 27: 26 Now An ISAF Recognized Class In
Page 30 and 31: About The Melges 32 — It’s A Li
Page 32 and 33: International Melges 32 Events Sche
Page 34 and 35: JOHN PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY 1600 West La

MEL-784 2009 M32 Yearbook:IM32CA - the Melges 32 Class ...

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