MEL-784 2009 M32 Yearbook:IM32CA - the Melges 32 Class ...
MEL-784 2009 M32 Yearbook:IM32CA - the Melges 32 Class ...
MEL-784 2009 M32 Yearbook:IM32CA - the Melges 32 Class ...
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International <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> <strong>Class</strong> President Jeff Ecklund<br />
07<br />
2008 Audi <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> Sailing Series, Lerici. ©2008 Stefano Gattini | b-Plan<br />
As <strong>the</strong> <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> <strong>Class</strong> ushers in <strong>2009</strong>, we proudly look back upon<br />
2008’s milestones with a great sense of accomplishment. We look<br />
ahead to <strong>the</strong> upcoming year with a revitalized USA regatta series,<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r European sailing circuit and now, as an ISAF Recognized<br />
<strong>Class</strong>, we have fresh ideas and a brand new sense of purpose.<br />
Everyone is well aware that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> has become <strong>the</strong> most<br />
popular 30-ft sportboat in <strong>the</strong> world. It is an outstanding product<br />
that has made owners and sailors alike look at competitive yacht<br />
racing in a completely different way. It’s fun, fast, simple to sail, far<br />
more affordable than ‘o<strong>the</strong>r’ boats, easy to ship and tow, and a great<br />
boat that delivers one design racing unlike any o<strong>the</strong>r. Combine all<br />
this with a streng<strong>the</strong>ning International <strong>Class</strong> organization, <strong>the</strong><br />
support of <strong>Melges</strong> Performance Sailboats in North America, <strong>Melges</strong><br />
Europe in Italy and <strong>Melges</strong> Asia Pacific in Australia, and we have just<br />
<strong>the</strong> right mix for success in <strong>2009</strong> and beyond.<br />
I encourage all owners worldwide to take a close look at <strong>the</strong> <strong>2009</strong><br />
<strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> USA Sailing Series. Seven, high-profile events that take us<br />
from <strong>the</strong> East Coast to <strong>the</strong> West Coast, <strong>the</strong>n back to finish <strong>the</strong><br />
year in Ft. Lauderdale with ano<strong>the</strong>r fantastic Gold Cup Regatta. The<br />
2008 Gold Cup was magnificent. Special thanks to <strong>the</strong> Lauderdale<br />
Yacht Club for such a great event. Congratulations are in order for<br />
Marty Kullman and Mike Carroll and <strong>the</strong>ir entire crew on New Wave<br />
on a very well-deserved win. Marty, Mike and his team are a great<br />
representation of <strong>the</strong> true <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> <strong>Class</strong> Corinthian spirit.<br />
2008 was an exceptional year for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> in Europe. On<br />
<strong>the</strong> behalf of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Class</strong>, I would like to extend a very sincere and<br />
special thanks to Audi, our European Sailing Series sponsor. The<br />
Audi <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> Sailing Series (A<strong>M<strong>32</strong></strong>SS) delivered five events at<br />
some of Italy’s finest venues. Seventeen boats competed overall.<br />
That number is predicted to significantly increase in <strong>2009</strong>. Claudio<br />
Recchi and his Uka Uka Racing team did an amazing job in 2008<br />
winning three of <strong>the</strong> five events; an achievement far superior than<br />
anything seen to date. Special thanks to Filippo Pacinotti, our<br />
European Fleet President who continues to lead <strong>the</strong> <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> in<br />
Europe with strength and perseverance.<br />
I would like to welcome Stephen Pugh as our North American Fleet<br />
President. Being that several of <strong>the</strong> USA events will take place in<br />
California, Stephen accepted <strong>the</strong> position and we know he will do<br />
a fine job at growing <strong>the</strong> West Coast fleet. For <strong>the</strong> last three years,<br />
Stephen has traveled to <strong>the</strong> east to compete. We hope to see <strong>the</strong><br />
fleet travel west and make <strong>the</strong> Nationals, as well as our first North<br />
American Championship a huge success.<br />
Speaking of first events, <strong>the</strong> International <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> <strong>Class</strong> will hold<br />
its first World Championship in <strong>2009</strong>. Again, special thanks to our<br />
European sponsor Audi for helping us secure one of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
prestigious sailing venues in <strong>the</strong> world — Porto Cervo, Sardinia,<br />
Italy. We hope to see everyone <strong>the</strong>re!<br />
The <strong>Class</strong> is still very young and we need everyone’s thoughts and<br />
ideas on how to continue to strive for excellence. The <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong><br />
is <strong>the</strong> best, but we need everyone’s input and actions; most<br />
importantly your participation and patronage, to keep it that way.<br />
Jeff Ecklund, International <strong>Melges</strong> <strong>32</strong> <strong>Class</strong> President<br />
www.melges<strong>32</strong>.com<br />
jecklund<strong>32</strong>@me.com<br />
T: +1 (954) 522-6411 | F: +1 (954) 522-3131 | M: +1 (954) 298-3100