Melges 24 Worlds: Tough day at the office

Middelfart, Denmark (June 30, 2015) – The opening day of the Melges 24 World Championship completed three races for the 95 competing teams. Light variable winds made consistency a challenge, with only Martin Trcka (CZE) able to stay in the top ten to now hold a nine point lead.

“It is early; I wouldn’t judge too much from today’s results,” shared Trcka. “We are obviously pleased as it was such an unpredictable day. To be honest, we had a lot of luck today, but we did a good job of keeping the boat moving.”

With all the boats starting together, the 3/4 mile starting line proved to be a factor, as boats on the wrong end soon found themselves far behind. Light winds are expected again tomorrow.

Eighteen nations are represented: Austria (3), Czech Republic (1), Denmark (17), Estonia (2), Finland (2), Great Britain (3), Germany (18), Hungary (2), Italy (5), Lichtenstein (1), Netherlands (5), Norway (18), Slovenia (1), Switzerland (4), Slovak Republic (1), Sweden (9), Ukraine (2) and United States of America (1).

A maximum of 14 races will be sailed and the schedule allows for up to three races per day.

Five (5) races are required to be completed to constitute the championship. When fewer than six (6) races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores. When from six (6) to twelve (12) races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her scores excluding her worst score. When thirteen (13) or more races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her two worst scores.

The professional and Corinthian crews will race against each other in a single fleet for the overall Melges 24 World Championship title, with the Corinthian results being extracted to determine the winner of the Corinthian World Championship title. Fifty-six out of ninety-five teams will fight for the Corinthian (non-professionals allowed) World Champion’ Trophy which comes all the way long from Australia here.

The World Championships will be covered with live TV, taped interview shows, online tracking and on social channels.

Danish broadcasting company SportsXstream will use their custom-build TV-catamaran to cover the racing with additional cameras placed on the race course. This will be mixed live with tracking devices on the boats to make it possible to follow the racing – even for the people who need to be at work.

Day One Results (Top 10 of 95; 3 races)

Event details – Entry list – Results – Facebook – Live-Streaming

Event dates:
Saturday 27 to Monday 29 of June: Measurement and registration
Monday 29 of June: Practice race and the Opening Ceremony at the Hindsgavl Castle
Tuesday 30 of June to Sunday 5th of July: 2015 Melges 24 World Championship
Sunday 5 of July: Closing Ceremony