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

International Melges 32 Class President Jeff Ecklund
07
2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici. ©2008 Stefano Gattini | b-Plan
As the Melges 32 Class ushers in 2009, we proudly look back upon
2008’s milestones with a great sense of accomplishment. We look
ahead to the upcoming year with a revitalized USA regatta series,
another European sailing circuit and now, as an ISAF Recognized
Class, we have fresh ideas and a brand new sense of purpose.
Everyone is well aware that the Melges 32 has become the most
popular 30-ft sportboat in the world. It is an outstanding product
that has made owners and sailors alike look at competitive yacht
racing in a completely different way. It’s fun, fast, simple to sail, far
more affordable than ‘other’ boats, easy to ship and tow, and a great
boat that delivers one design racing unlike any other. Combine all
this with a strengthening International Class organization, the
support of Melges Performance Sailboats in North America, Melges
Europe in Italy and Melges Asia Pacific in Australia, and we have just
the right mix for success in 2009 and beyond.
I encourage all owners worldwide to take a close look at the 2009
Melges 32 USA Sailing Series. Seven, high-profile events that take us
from the East Coast to the West Coast, then back to finish the
year in Ft. Lauderdale with another fantastic Gold Cup Regatta. The
2008 Gold Cup was magnificent. Special thanks to the Lauderdale
Yacht Club for such a great event. Congratulations are in order for
Marty Kullman and Mike Carroll and their entire crew on New Wave
on a very well-deserved win. Marty, Mike and his team are a great
representation of the true Melges 32 Class Corinthian spirit.
2008 was an exceptional year for the Melges 32 in Europe. On
the behalf of the Class, I would like to extend a very sincere and
special thanks to Audi, our European Sailing Series sponsor. The
Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series (AM32SS) delivered five events at
some of Italy’s finest venues. Seventeen boats competed overall.
That number is predicted to significantly increase in 2009. Claudio
Recchi and his Uka Uka Racing team did an amazing job in 2008
winning three of the five events; an achievement far superior than
anything seen to date. Special thanks to Filippo Pacinotti, our
European Fleet President who continues to lead the Melges 32 in
Europe with strength and perseverance.
I would like to welcome Stephen Pugh as our North American Fleet
President. Being that several of the USA events will take place in
California, Stephen accepted the position and we know he will do
a fine job at growing the West Coast fleet. For the last three years,
Stephen has traveled to the east to compete. We hope to see the
fleet travel west and make the Nationals, as well as our first North
American Championship a huge success.
Speaking of first events, the International Melges 32 Class will hold
its first World Championship in 2009. Again, special thanks to our
European sponsor Audi for helping us secure one of the most
prestigious sailing venues in the world — Porto Cervo, Sardinia,
Italy. We hope to see everyone there!
The Class is still very young and we need everyone’s thoughts and
ideas on how to continue to strive for excellence. The Melges 32
is the best, but we need everyone’s input and actions; most
importantly your participation and patronage, to keep it that way.
Jeff Ecklund, International Melges 32 Class President
www.melges32.com
jecklund32@me.com
T: +1 (954) 522-6411 | F: +1 (954) 522-3131 | M: +1 (954) 298-3100