An early sunrise start proved decisive on Day 2 of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series 2026 opener in Opatija, where a proactive call from the organisers-Yacht Club Croatia and the Croatian Melges 24 Class-allowed the fleet to capitalise on a narrow morning breeze window.
With the first warning signal at 07:30, the Race Committee moved efficiently to complete four races by 11:00, navigating shifty and demanding conditions that tested both teamwork and precision across the fleet. The effort brought the regatta to seven races in total, with the first discard now applied, reshaping the overall standings.
Italy’s MELGINA, helmed by Paolo Brescia, used consistency to climb into the overall lead (today’s races 7-1-4-8), while a strong and steady performance and race win from TAKI 4, led by Niccolò Bertola, places the Italian team at the top of the Corinthian standings (6-4-2-1).
Behind them, Croatia’s RAZJAREN helmed by Ante Cesic, emerged as one of the standout performers of the day, delivering a significant turnaround after a challenging opening (1-3-3-2).
“We had two new crew members join yesterday, so things didn’t quite click at first,” explained Antonio Milišic from the RAZJAREN crew. “But today we found our rhythm. Everything started working much better, and the results show it.”
Sailing in highly variable conditions, the team demonstrated sharp improvement throughout the morning. “It was really tough out there-very shifty-but we managed to stay consistent. I think we were in the top three in all four races today, which is a huge step forward from yesterday,” Milišic added.
The role of coordination on board proved critical, particularly in a class where precision in manoeuvres can define results. “On the Melges, everything forward of the mast has to be spot on-hoists, drops, timing. Today, we were much more in sync, and that made the difference.” More
