View 2008 Melges 32 Yearbook (PDF - 3.2 MB) - the Melges 32 ...

The Official Magazine of the
International Melges Class Association
www.melges32.comM
32

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Photo John Payne

A MELGES 32
RED ALERT!
A competitive team from the very beginning, Joe Woods and his Red team are hopelessly addicted
to their Melges 32. In 2007, they traveled from coast-to-coast and success followed them everywhere
they went. From Key West (8th) to Newport (3rd); from Chicago (2nd) to San Francisco (2nd) and back
again to Ft. Lauderdale for the Winter Tune-Up (3rd).
JH Peterson

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2008 M32 YEARBOOK
The Official Magazine of the
International Melges 32 Class Association
www.melges32.com
________________________________________________________________________
06 BUILDER’S REPORT | CLASS CONTACT INFORMATION
From Andy Burdick, Melges Performance Sailboats
________________________________________________________________________
10 WINTER SERIES PREVIEW: WILD, WILD KEY WEST
Join the fleet in sunny Key West, Florida to kick off the racing season
12 WINTER SERIES PREVIEW: ST. PETERSBURG NOOD
An awesome event with great racing and superb competition
on beautiful Tampa Bay
12 WINTER SERIES PREVIEW: MIAMI GRAND PRIX
The Melges 32 ramps up for the spring season in hot, Miami Beach, Florida
for another Premiere Racing event
________________________________________________________________________
13 RECAP | REVIEW: 2007 | 2008 NATIONALS
The fleet travels to Newport one more time for the third U.S. National
Championship held in conjunction with the New York Yacht Club’s
Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex
________________________________________________________________________
15 2007 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION: CLAUDIO RECCHI
________________________________________________________________________
16 THE MELGES EUROPE STORY
This exclusive article gets right to the grass roots of the Melges 32s
greatest achievement in 2007 — the formation of Melges Europe
________________________________________________________________________
18 2007: YEAR IN PICTURES
Action photos from Key West, Miami, to Newport and San Francisco
in the Melges 32 speaks much louder than words
________________________________________________________________________
20 MEET THE MELGES 32
Get up close and personal with this phenomenal racer
________________________________________________________________________
22 FLEET REPORT: NORTH AMERICA
________________________________________________________________________
24 FLEET REPORT: EUROPE
________________________________________________________________________
27 FLEET REPORT: AUSTRALIA
________________________________________________________________________
28 2008 EVENTS SCHEDULE
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
ON THE COVER
Photo by JH Peterson
Nothing compares to a good drag race on San Francisco Bay between
regatta winner Philippe Kahn on Pegasus and Australian Richard Leslie
on Southern Cross.
________________________________________________________________________
5

2008 BUILDER’S REPORT
Serge Zavarin
Congratulations to the Melges 32 Class and its owners! The Melges 32 is here to stay. What
an exciting class all of us have put together. There has been a large effort from each individual
owner and their teams. The proof is what we are experiencing today. First class racing on a
very exhilarating platform. You are the talk of the sailing community and you should be
congratulated for your efforts.
The Melges 32 Class has assembled world class championships not only in the USA, but
now also in Europe. Federico Michetti and his Melges Europe team have been on fire setting
a blistering selling pace – people are craving the Melges 32 in Europe and now Melges Europe
will be able to satisfy the need. In addition, they have put together a world class regatta
circuit which will kick off in April of 2008. Are you ready to go do some racing in Europe?
Melges style?!!
Here in the United States, Melges USA has a strong team in place with a fantastic leader – Harry
Melges. You can call or email us anytime. Just ask for Harry, Charlie, Jamie or myself and you
will get immediate assistance from our team. If you are an interested client and you want to
get on a Melges 32 – let’s go! Be careful though – you will get hooked the minute you grab the
tiller. The Melges Experience proves our unwavering support and belief that the Melges 32 will
be a successful concept for years to come. The boat is fun, simple, manageable for a regatta
circuit bringing unmatched value to your purchase. By promising to deliver the best, we
ensure the same support and rewards that made the Melges what it is today, will be mirrored
in the Melges 32.
Andy Burdick
Melges Performance Sailboats
P.O. Box 1
Zenda, Wisconsin 53195 USA
T: 262.275.1110
Email: andy@melges.com
Web: www.melges.com
Federico Michetti
Melges Europe
Via Santa Maria 96
20093 Cologno Monzese
Milano, Italy
T: +39 02 94435078
F: +39 02 94435079
Email: federico@melgeseurope.com
Web: www.melgeseurope.com
Heath Walters
Northshore Yachting Services
trading as Melges Asia Pacific
Unit 2/29 Tathra Street
West Gosford NSW
Australia 2250
T: +61 2 43226958
F: +61 2 43226959
M: 0417 200 804
Email: sales@melges.com.au
Web: www.melges.com.au
2008 is here and we will be kicking it off in style with the Midwinters in Key West. Stay tuned
to melges32.com and please review our all new melges.com being released soon. Watch for fresh
pictures, exciting video and informative information on your Melges boat.
Say NO to slow and YES to fast in 2008!
Sincerely,
Andy Burdick, Melges Performance Sailboats
6 WWW.MELGES32.COM

Dallas Johnson
2008 Melges 32 U.S. National Championship | 25 - 28 July
New York Yacht Club Race Week at Newport
presented by
www.melges32.com

WINTER SERIES PREVIEW: 2008 MELGES 32 MIDWINTER CHAMPIONSHIP
WILD, WILD
10

Amory Ross
KEY WEST!
As one of three major Melges 32 Winter Series events, ACURA Key West is the ultimate speed-slinging showdown. Not only is it one of the world’s
most prestigious sailing venues, it is also the stage that sets the pace of competitive sportboat racing for the year. In 2008, the Melges 32 is one
of the largest fleets in attendance. This will be the most successful yet!
www.premiere-racing.com
2007 TOP TEN RESULTS
________________________________________________________________________
01 CLAUDIO RECCHI LET’S ROLL
________________________________________________________________________
02 MARTY KULLMAN | MIKE CARROLL NEW WAVE
________________________________________________________________________
03 GLENN DARDEN HOSS
________________________________________________________________________
04 SIMON WILLIAMS FRESH GUIDANCE
________________________________________________________________________
05 JEFF ECKLUND STAR
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
06 JOHN SHERLOCK CAN-134
________________________________________________________________________
07 GEORGE GAMBLE EVIL WOMAN
________________________________________________________________________
08 JOE WOODS RED
________________________________________________________________________
09 GEORGE GAMBLE WICKED WOMAN
________________________________________________________________________
10 TOM NEILL NITEMARE
________________________________________________________________________
11

WINTER SERIES PREVIEW
Dallas Johnson
www.sailingworld.com
2008 SPERRY TOP-SIDER
ST. PETERSBURG NOOD
Since the inception of the class, Sailing World Magazine’s Sperry
Top-Sider St. Petersburg NOOD Regatta has served as the second
of three big Winter Series events. Despite this reputation of this event
being mellow in comparison (the competition is anything else but) to
Key West it is still an ideal event with a relaxed fun atmosphere.
2007 TOP THREE RESULTS
________________________________________________________________________
01 CLAUDIO RECCHI LET’S ROLL
________________________________________________________________________
02 MARTY KULLMAN | MIKE CARROLL NEW WAVE
________________________________________________________________________
03 GLENN DARDEN HOSS
________________________________________________________________________
Amory Ross
www.premiere-racing.com
ACURA MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2008
The ACURA Miami Grand Prix is the official grand finale in the 2008
Winter Series for the Melges 32. In character with Key West, Miami is
high-powered racing, sunshine, warm temperatures and great fun with
friends. With early attendance predictions in the 20+ range, this will be
an event that you will not want to miss!
2007 TOP THREE RESULTS
________________________________________________________________________
01 CLAUDIO RECCHI LET’S ROLL
________________________________________________________________________
02 MARTY KULLMAN | MIKE CARROLL NEW WAVE
________________________________________________________________________
03 GLENN DARDEN HOSS
________________________________________________________________________
12 WWW.MELGES32.COM

RECAP | PREVIEW: 2007 & 2008 MELGES 32 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPER
NATIONALS
With each U.S. National Championship the Melges 32 just seems to
grow faster and more competitive. In 2007, Claudio Recchi dominated
a fleet sixteen strong to become National Champion. He contended
with 2006 U.S. National Champion Jeff Ecklund, battled the likes of
Rick Orchard, Joe Woods, Glenn Darden and David Hoyt. Incredible
Championship moments unfolded as Recchi seized control from start
to finish but Ecklund, Woods, Hoyt and Orchard all delivered stellar
performances well worth the prize. It was a convincing challenge as
quick, agg ressive starts and boat speed, smooth handling and smart
sailing — and NO mistakes made all the difference.
2007 TOP TEN RESULTS
___________________________________________________________________________
01 CLAUDIO RECCHI LET’S ROLL
___________________________________________________________________________
02 JEFF ECKLUND STAR
___________________________________________________________________________
03 JOE WOODS RED
___________________________________________________________________________
04 RICK ORCHARD GRINS
___________________________________________________________________________
05 DAVID HOYT NOSEDIVE
___________________________________________________________________________
06 GLENN DARDEN HOSS
___________________________________________________________________________
07 BOB HESSE LAKE EFFECT
___________________________________________________________________________
08 MARTY KULLMAN | MIKE CARROLL NEW WAVE
___________________________________________________________________________
09 DOUG CROKER CANVASBACK
___________________________________________________________________________
10 GEOFF MASTERS MELGES ASIA PACIFIC
___________________________________________________________________________
Looking ahead to 2008, more excitement is in store as Newport will
produce the best variety of sailing conditions putting skill and technique
to the test. Be there for great friends, parties and most of all — the best
Melges 32 sailing!
Full 2007 National Championship reports and photo galleries can be found
online at melges32.com.
Amory Ross
17

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Amory Ross
2007 MELGES 32 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPION
CLAUDIO RECCHI
After three days of intense racing in Newport, Rhode Island, Claudio Recchi and his Let’s Roll team
of Giovanni Puntello, Gabriele Benussi calling tactics, Federico Michetti, Emanuele Cecchini, Francesca
Prina, Andrea Vigoni, Francesco Di Caprio and Enrico Pucci conquered the fleet of 16 Melges 32s.
"The key to Let's Roll is that we are all good friends and we work really hard on the boat. We hike
hard, and everyone just goes out and does their best. I trust Gabriele 100%. He is a phenomenal
tactician and it's just a very good fit. This was the result of being really lucky, having good speed and
good boat handling." commented Recchi immediately following racing.
National Champions Let's Roll

2008 M32 YEARBOOK: SPECIAL FEATURE
THE
Fabio Taccola
MELGES
EUROPE
STORY
16 WWW.MELGES32.COM

THE MELGES EUROPE STORY
In May 2007, another chapter was written in the impressive
three-year history of the Melges 32. It was a milestone that
would bring class growth beyond the North American market. This
achievement was much more than just another record-breaking
regatta turn out, or big-name, big-shot professional climbing aboard
ultimately swearing allegiance to speed — it was the formation
of Melges Europe. The timing could not have been more perfect.
For Federico Michetti, president of Melges Europe it was a dream to
bring the Melges 32 to Europe and work alongside Harry Melges.
“ When you have a dream and it is never shared with others, it is just
a dream. But when that dream is realized together by a group of
people with the same goals in mind, the possibilities are endless. It
can become reality,” Michetti reflected. Before being named Director,
he was known to be a self-proclaimed Melges speed addict with
numerous sailing achievements of his own. In particular, he was
a member of Giorgio Zuccoli’s 2000 Melges 24 World Champion
team, is a European and a multiple World Ranking Champion. At
the launch, Melges commented that Federico was a natural fit for
the position, “He possesses a great deal of sailing experience at a
very high level and understands how to organize a winning team.”
Today Michetti’s team includes guidance from the entire USA Melges
Team as well as the assistance of General Manager, Luisa Bambozzi.
“Luisa is amazing. She is wonderful with all of our customers. She
makes sure that each and every one is taken care of to the highest
degree. She handles all the day-to-day duties. I am so lucky to have
her on the team,” said Michetti. Another individual that he is quick
to thank is his Financial Advisor and friend Giovanni Puntello. “It
was Giovanni, that said ‘Federico, you must do this. It is the right
thing to do.’ He was there always pushing me.”
The initial idea of Melges Europe started as far back as ACURA Key
West 2007 where Michetti and Melges met for a beer at the Raw Bar
to discuss the prospect of setting up a distribution center for the
Melges 32 in Italy. Things moved quickly as the agreement was
official in May and a public announcement followed shortly after.
Once established the accomplishments seemed to snowball.
Michetti already knew there was a great deal of interest in Europe
before Claudio Recchi won the U.S. National Championship in
Newport mid-July. He was one of nine crew members on Let’s Roll.
“Every time I get on the Melges 32 I realize what a lucky boy I am.
When I arrived in Newport, and went out to sail, it reminded me that
this is the best boat.” The Melges 32 turned heads as the press called
for articles, editorials and interviews with Recchi including Sailing
World in the USA and Fare Vela in Italy.
Immediately on Michetti’s return home, he traveled to Lake Garda
for Torbole Race Week where the Melges 32 was scheduled to debut
for the first time in Italy. This event promised maximum exposure
to potentially more than 400 sailors from nine European countries.
More than a hundred individuals lined-up for a trial run (with the
line much longer). The weather dynamics on Lake Garda were ideal,
it was just what Melges Europe ordered. “I was certain that the
Melges 32 would generate great attention, but the positive feedback
received has exceeded my expectations,” said Michetti. “Claudio's
success at the Nationals furthered the popularity and confidence in
the Melges 32 — in Europe, and most especially in Italy.” From there
2008 MEDITERRANEAN
RACING SCHEDULE
MED EVENT NO. 1 : MALCESINE
09-11 May
MED EVENT NO. 2 : CAGLIARI
27-29 June
MED EVENT NO. 3
11-13 July
MED EVENT NO. 4
05-07 September
MED EVENT NO. 5 : GENOVA
03-05 October
MELGES32.COM
it was onward to other major events such as Centomiglia and
Barcolana. Great success at these events put the Melges 32 on the
pages of some of Italy’s most fashionable culture magazines.
As 2007 drew to a close Melges Europe celebrated seven months
and twenty boats sold. The Melges 32 is a huge hit in Europe. Melges
Europe formed a formal partnership with Yacht Club Milano
offering support for the Melges 32 fleet in Milan. It is at this
elegant and modern yacht club, Michetti conducted the very
first owners meeting in December. Thirteen owner representatives
were in attendance (60% of all European owners). Michetti
expressed his appreciation for their support and confirmed the
announcement of a 2008 Mediterranean Racing Circuit. Melges
Europe also struck an agreement with Riccardo Simoneschi’s
sports marketing agency B.Plan to handle communication,
sponsorship and organization of a five event series. “Our agreement
between B.Plan and Melges Europe was immediate, because our
vision of the world of sailboat racing coincides perfectly. Without
wasting a minute we set to work with the objective of creating
the 2008 Mediterranean Circuit. Our goal is to ensure that all owners,
who believed in this boat now, are the first testimonial on which
B.Plan will direct much effort and many ideas,” said Simoneschi.
Firmly based in Milan, Italy, Melges Europe oversees the assembly
of the Melges 32 as it enters Europe and will establish a dealer
network for its distribution. “I really love the brand, therefore the
leadership of this new company comes naturally to me. We carry
Melges’ philosophy of building a superior, technologically advanced
product and supporting it with incomparable customer service.”
For more information about the Melges 32 in Europe, contact
Federico Michetti at federico@melgeseurope.com or go online at
melgeseurope.com. Stay up-to-date by visiting the official web site of
the International Melges 32 Class Association at melges32.com.
Melges Europe is a continuum of Melges Performance Sailboats’ goal to
further support and encourage the sport of sailing on a global scale. In October
2006, Melges appointed Northshore Yachting trading as Melges Asia Pacific
based in Sydney, Australia to distribute the Melges 32 and Melges 24. Now
with firm reach to three continents, more sailors can enjoy sailing the greatest
sportboats on the planet.
17

2007 YEAR IN PICTURES
GOING FROM BEING THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK TO
CLASSIC SPEED!
Speed is worth a thousand words as are these images from an exciting 2007 season. The Melges 32
class is populated with great personalities, enthusiastic and energized when it comes to this sportboat!
More photo galleries and video clips are available online at melges32.com.
Dallas Johnson
2007 Annapolis NOOD winners and Melges 32 East Coast Champions Marty Kullman and Mike
Carroll on New Wave are a cool, ‘New Wave’ Corinthian team from bow to stern.
Competition reigned supreme at the 2007 U.S. N
with amazing big fleet racing and tight starting li
2006 U.S. National Champion
Jeff Ecklund on STAR
Go Grins Go! Rick Orchard wowed
the fleet in Newport
18

2007 YEAR IN PICTURES
Amory Ross
Amory Ross
Edward Tillinghast cast his ‘Dark and
Stormy’ spells at Nationals.
Miami is hot Melges 32 racing!
ational Championship in Newport, Rhode Island
ne action!
Joe Woods ‘West Coasted’ his ‘Red’ team to race on San Francisco Bay at Rolex’s
famous Big Boat Series.
Serge Zavarin JH Peterson
Every year Key West delivers
a guarantee — fun, fast racing!
Power, drive and the sheer desire to win put Walter Kennedy’s ‘Savannah’ around the mark ahead of Edward Tillinghast
and Newport local David Hoyt on ‘Nosedive’
19

MOMENTUM AND MILESTONES:
MEET THE
MELGES 32
The Melges 32 is a superior sportboat with a big performance attitude that exudes simplicity. It is the total embodiment of what one design is
meant to be. Design by the impeccable Reichel Pugh and crafted by Paul Amon at SOCA Sailboats in Trinidad, Melges Performance Sailboats’
incomparable experience and acumen is apparent through every tack and jibe.
20

Fabio Taccola
Since 2005, the Melges 32 has successfully delivered bigger, better, more
simplified sailing that is fun and competitive. Complementing its sporty
attitude, it possesses one of the most diverse regatta schedules in the
world including many prestigious venues supported by an organized
and well-established international class association. The Melges 32
Experience goes beyond the hull with outstanding product support
and service provided around the globe from Zenda, Wisconsin USA
to Europe and Australia.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
LENGTH: 31 ft 10 in | 9,70 m
BEAM: 9 ft 10 in | 3,00 m
DRAFT: 7 ft | 2,13 m
WEIGHT: 3,775 lbs | 1,770 kg
SAIL AREA
MAIN: 445 sq ft | 41,3 mq
JIB (105%): 254 sq ft | 23,6 mq
ASYMMETRICAL CODE 1A VMG: 1,113 sq ft | 103,4 mq
ASYMMETRICAL CODE 2A RUNNER: 1,302 sq ft | 121,0 mq
ASYMMETRICAL CODE 0, 100° REACHER: 774 sq ft | 71,9 mq
KEY FEATURES
★ A sleek hull shape, clean deck layout and rig
★ Powerful sail plan that is easy to sail
★ Easy to launch via hoist or ramp. When equipped with a gin pole,
it can be rigged without the assistance of a crane to step the mast
★ New boats come complete with fine Italian Maffioli lines
★ Well-rounded international regatta schedule
★ A strong and well-organized class organization
★ Regularly updated web site filled with race reports, photos,
video and more — stay on top of all things Melges 32!
MELGES32.COM
21

FLEET REPORT ★ NORTH AMERICA
2007 U.S. National Girls Opti Champion
Erica Reineke sailed with Bob Hesse’s Lake Effect
2005 Melges 24 World Champion crew
member Mac Agnese sailed with Joe Woods’ Red
Leading The Charge
2007 Laser Radial North American Champion
Champion Colin Smith sailed with Michael
Illbruck and John Kostecki on Pinta
The Melges 32 continued its crusade of extreme success in 2007.
More boats were built, sold and raced than ever before and 2008
gives every indication that fleet growth will persist in North America
while quickly spreading to other parts of the world. To complement
phenomenal class growth, the regatta schedule has expanded
two-fold as has the participation levels. ACURA Key West is also the
Midwinter Championship and repeatedly for the last two years the
fleet size has doubled — 2006 produced 8, 2007 generated 20 and
in 2008 more than 30 are ready to race! And, they are coming from
all over the world — Italy, Germany, Canada and the UK. Many boats
will be attending from the USA, however it is always nice to see and
race against our International counterparts.
From Key West, the fleet travels to St. Petersburg in February for the
first of many NOOD Regattas — the St. Petersburg NOOD. Then its
onward to Miami where another large fleet will assemble — Miami
is super hot during the month of March! This event is organized by
the same great team that brings us ACURA Key West, Premiere
Racing. Great racing, awesome race management and amazing
parties are all on the Miami checklist.
The Annapolis NOOD rings in spring in late April. It is also the East
Coast Championship for the Melges 32. This is bay racing at its very
best. The Chicago NOOD will kick off the Midwest racing circuit in
June. This is yet another terrific event that has international draw.
Chicago is fantastic in the summer — pleasant temperatures and
incredible racing is what is on tap for the Melges 32!
The 2008 U.S. National Championship will again be held in beautiful
Newport, Rhode Island and in coordination with the New York Yacht
Club’s prestigious Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex. Top
notch venues, sponsors, yacht clubs and destinations is what keeps
Melges 32 owners coming back for more! Another record breaking
attendance record is in order as certainly, international participation
and competition is guaranteed.
The class is prepared to rock the West Coast again with another great
turn out at the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, California
hosted by the St. Francis Yacht Club. Philippe Kahn took 2007 honors
ahead of a very intense field of competitors. There is nothing like
a nice drag race on San Francisco Bay, so do plan to attend in 2008!
Winding down the year is the Melges 32 class exclusive — the Winter
Tune-Up Regatta at the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Florida. No other
class of one design sportboats does this. It offers the unique
opportunity for America’s elite youth sailors to sail with the World’s
primo sailors! This is a glorified coaching session, set in a racing
environment. An appointed fleet coach gives valuable, post-racing
feedback through video and photos helping you and your team get
up to speed — fast! Due to its exclusive attributes has witnessed an
increase in participation too.
Stay tuned to the official web site of the International Melges 32 Class
Association at melges32.com. Regular updates, full reports, results,
photo galleries, video, class documents are always available!
22 WWW.MELGES32.COM
Winter Tune-Up Regatta photos by John Payne

MELGES 32 ROCKS THE WEST COAST:
PRESTIGE.
POWER.
PEGASUS.
The Melges 32 formed a unified West Coast fleet at the prestigious 2007 Rolex Big Boat Series hosted
by the St. Francis Yacht Club in one of America’s greatest cities — San Francisco, California. With the
likes of Joe Woods, Stephen Pugh, Richard Leslie, Caleb Everett on the starting line, the ultimate race
winner was Philippe Kahn as his famous Pegasus team transcended yet another class of Melges boats.
Most notably known for his four strong, mini Melges 24 fleet, Kahn hopped on his Melges 32 for the
first time and won. His biggest competition was class veteran Joe Woods, finishing in second and
Richard Leslie in third.
JH Peterson

FLEET REPORT ★ EUROPE
European Euphoria
In late 2006, at the Winter Tune-Up Regatta, Claudio Recchi climbed
aboard his brand new Melges 32 for the very first time. With a small
but highly-qualified crew that included Melges 24 European and
Melges 24 World Champion Federico Michetti he took second place
at the Winter Tune-Up title, then went on to win Key West Race Week
and the Miami Grand Prix in the Melges 32. This was definitely an
indication that great things were on the horizon, not only for Claudio
(he also went on to Nationals to become Champion too!) but for the
European sailing community. Something big was coming — the
birth of new found speed. Everyone was already quite familiar with
the success of other Melges products in Europe, from Torquay, UK to
Lake Garda in Torbole, this was the next natural destination for class
growth and expansion.
Melges Europe was formed in May of 2007 under the direction of
Federico Michetti. Quickly news spread that Melges 32s could be
purchased in Italy, making this very cool boat more accessible than
ever. In mid-July, the Melges 32 debuted at Italy’s famous Torbole
Race Week. More than one hundred took the opportunity to sail it
including the very accomplished Italian sailor Lorenzo Bressani.
From there, the excitement carried over to Centomiglia in early
September. This was a very special event as not only were individuals
actually able to see it up close and personal dockside, they could
also watch four of the boats compete. The likes of Luca Valerio,
Maurizio Abba, Danielle Cassanari, Francesco Martino, Alberto
Bolzan, Maurizio Schiavi, Eros Angeli, Gianfranco Cirillo, Nicola
Celon, Dede De Luca, Riamondo Tonelli and Manuel Giubellini
all were in attendance singing the praises that the Melges 32 was
now in Europe.
As of December 2007, the European Melges 32 fleet has as grown
to more than twenty. Special recognition goes to Lorenzo Santini
and his UKA UKA racing team and Francesco Martino’s Action team,
as they were the very first hulls to arrive in Italy! Michael Illbruck,
Joe Woods, Fausto Rubbini, Luigi Melegari, Massimo e Stefano
Leporati, Armando Giulietti — surely these names are familiar.
They have all staked their claim on a Melges 32.
In late 2007, the very first owner’s meeting took place in Italy where
more than 60% of the owners were represented. It was a great
success as Michetti lead the meeting held at the prestigious Yacht
Club Milano. He announced the special partnership between the
class and the club, as well as presented the 2008 Mediterranean
Racing Circuit (see page 16) agreement between Melges Europe and
Riccardo Simoneschi’s B-Plan agency. A full review of the class
rules was also on the agenda as well as discussions of the Melges 32
competing at the 2008 Primo Cup in Monaco.
2008 is set to be another ground-breaking year for the Melges 32 in
Europe! Stay up-to-date by visiting the official web site of the
International Melges 32 Class Association at melges32.com. Do you
want to learn more about the Melges 32 in Europe? Contact Federico
at federico@melgeseurope.com or go online at melgeseurope.com!
Dallas Johnson
JOIN
THE
IM32CA
Visit
www.melges32.com
and download a form today!
24 WWW.MELGES32.COM

FLEET REPORT ★ AUSTRALIA
Melges 32 Blows
Into Australia
One thing is for certain in the land down under — the Melges 32
is turning heads in the Australian sailing community. The racing
is spectacular especially with beautiful Sydney Harbor serving
as a scenic backdrop. It is not unusual to see them impressively
weaving though a variety of fleets of boat at maximum speed,
some of them double their size!
Speaking of spectacular racing — the promise of large fleet,
high quality racing has drawn one boat to the last two U.S.
National Championships held in Newport, Rhode Island. With
the growing success of the fleet locally and abroad, and just the
fact that the boat has been seen in the flesh in Australia, it is
expected to encourage more competitors to make the trip to fell
the challenge and thrill of Melges 32 racing first hand.
A little closer to home, the Melges 32 will follow the Australian
Regatta Schedule with many of the owners keen to participate in
the Asian Regatta 2008. Hamilton Island Race Week during August
is consistently a main attraction to many of the world’s yachtsman.
This premiere yacht racing event at the Great Barrier Reef in the
Whitsunday Islands offers ideal conditions for Melges 32 sailing.
As in other areas of the International fleet the demand for the boat
is really high. As it stands right now, the charter requests cannot be
met with all the owners wanting to race themselves.
The Australians took charge on several occasions during the 2007 U.S. National
Championship held in Newport, Rhode Island
As the popularity of the Melges 32 increases in Australia and the
overall fleet matures, the new two piece mast will allow for efficient
shipping and will be of great assistance to the Asia Pacific markets
including delivery in Australia.
For more information and the latest news/developments about the
Melges 32 in Australia and Asia check out melges.com.au.
27

2008 EVENTS SCHEDULE
DATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT
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JAN 21 - 25 ACURA KEY WEST 2008 KEY WEST, FL ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 0 Melges 32 Midwinter Championship andy@melges.com
JOY 0 0 0 www.premiere-racing.com
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JAN 30 - FEB 03 STRICTLY SAIL CHICAGO BOAT SHOW CHICAGO, IL ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 00 www.strictlysail.com Navy Pier andy@melges.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FEB 15 - 17 SPERRY TOP-SIDER ST. PETERSBURG NOOD* ST. PETERSBURG, FL MARTIN KULLMAN
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com St. Petersburg Yacht Club martin.kullman@raymondjames.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAR 06 - 09 ACURA MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2008 MIAMI, FL ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 0 www.premiere-racing.com Miami Beach Marina andy@melges.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAR 14 - 16 SPERRY TOP-SIDER SAN DIEGO NOOD* SAN DIEGO, CA
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com San Diego Yacht Club
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APR 17 - 20 CHARLESTON RACE WEEK* CHARLESTON, SC BRAD VAN LIEW
JOY 0 0 0 www.charlestonraceweek.com Charleston Yacht Club bvanliew@scmaritime.org
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APR 25 - 27 SPERRY TOP-SIDER ANNAPOLIS NOOD* ANNAPOLIS, MD ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 0 Melges 32 East Coast Championship Annapolis Yacht Club andy@melges.com
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MAY 16 - 18 SPERRY TOP-SIDER SEATTLE NOOD* SEATTLE, WA
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com Corinthian Yacht Club; Seattle Yacht Club
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MAY 30 - JUN 01 SPERRY TOP-SIDER DETROIT NOOD* DETROIT, MI
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com Bayview Yacht Club
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JUN 13 - 15 SPERRY TOP-SIDER CHICAGO NOOD* CHICAGO, IL ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com Chicago Yacht Club andy@melges.com
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JUN 15 - 20 BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEK BLOCK ISLAND, RI TED ZUSE
JOY 0 0 0 www.blockislandraceweek.org ted@zuse.com
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JUL 24 - 27 SPERRY TOP-SIDER MARBLEHEAD NOOD* MARBLEHEAD (BOSTON), MA
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com Corinthian Yacht Club
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JUL 25 - 27 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NEWPORT, RI ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 0 NYYC Race Week Presented by Rolex New York Yacht Club andy@melges.com
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SEP 06 - 07 SPERRY TOP-SIDER LARCHMONT NOOD* LARCHMONT (WESTCHESTER COUNTY), NY
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com Larchmont Yacht Club
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SEP 11 - 14 ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES SAN FRANCISCO, CA ANDY BURDICK
JOY 0 0 0 www.stfyc.com St. Francis Yacht Club andy@melges.com
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SEP 19 - 21 SPERRY TOP-SIDER HOUSTON NOOD* SEABROOK, TX
JOY 0 0 0 www.sailingworld.com Lakewood Yacht Club
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
* Dates subject to change
©Dallas Johnson
28 WWW.MELGES32.COM

J H PETERSON • PHOTOGRAPHY
1170 JANDEL CIRCLE • ST. MICHAEL, MN 55376 USA • (612) 910 1716 • PETERSONJH@HOTMAIL.COM • PETERSONJH.COM

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