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The 2026 Melges 24 European Sailing Series kicks off in Opatija with a nail-biting finale decided by a single race. This weekend's competition reveals the intense dynamics of early morning sailing and the significance of tactical decisions.
The Race Committee summons the fleet just after 07:30, seizing the final breeze to complete the eighth race. With the wind quickly fading, no ninth race takes place. Croatia's PANJIC, steered by Luka Šangulin, claims victory in the last race, while RAZJAREN, helmed by Ante Cesic, and TAKI 4, led by Niccolo Bertola, follow closely. MELGINA finishes fifth, securing overall triumph on countback, tied on 22 points with RAZJAREN after eight races.
Tactician Andrea Racchelli from MELGINA notes the fierce competition: "We had a bad start but recovered well." Despite the high stakes, Brescia admits their win was unexpected amid such strong rivals. Meanwhile, RAZJAREN's Antonio Milišic highlights their team's improvement, stating they found their rhythm after overcoming initial challenges.
Italy's TAKI 4 not only secures third place overall but also wins the Corinthian division, showcasing the robust talent within the amateur ranks. The event solidifies the Melges 24 class as a hotbed for competitive sailing, with three Corinthian teams finishing in the overall Top 5.
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