25 May 2025, Riva del Garda, Italy – The final day of a thrilling regatta in Riva del Garda delivered everything the Melges 24 class is known for: tight racing, shifting leads, and a dramatic, down-to-the-wire finish.
With eight races completed and five boats within four points heading into the final showdown, it was Laura Grondin’s Dark Energy (USA868) who emerged victorious, edging out reigning European Champions, Lukasz Podniesinski's Razjaren (CRO867), helmed by Ante Cesic, on a tiebreak.
Just one point behind, Paolo Brescia’s Melgina (ITA854), with Simone Ferrarese on tactics, claimed third overall and earned the title of 2025 Melges 24 Italian National Champion.
Hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva and expertly managed by PRO Gabriella Gabrielli, the regatta welcomed nearly thirty teams, including some of the biggest names in international sailing. Once again, the timeless one-design sportboat designed by Reichel-Pugh proved its enduring appeal—three decades since its launch.
“It came down to every boat length in the final race,” said Dark Energy skipper Laura Grondin, who sailed with a world-class crew including Taylor Canfield, Ian Liberty, Nick Ford, and Mac Agnese.
“We’re really proud of how we held it together and fought for every point. The class is incredibly strong right now—it’s an honor to come out on top.”
Meanwhile, Melgina delivered a standout performance with two race wins and consistent speed throughout the weekend.
“It wasn’t easy, but we’re thrilled to take the Italian title,” said Paolo Brescia.
Ferrarese added: “We were right there until the last race. It was a super competitive fleet, and the team did an incredible job adjusting to tricky conditions.”
Second place in the Italian Nationals went to Niccolò Bertola’s Taki 4 (ITA778), while Dino Orioli’s Daito Nano (ITA748) completed the all-Italian podium in third.
Just off the overall podium and tied on points with third, Cuyler Morris’ Dark Horse (USA870), with Manuel Weiller on tactics, led the standings going into Race 8 but slipped to fourth in the final rankings. Fifth went to Andrea Racchelli’s Altea (ITA722), followed by Vladimir Prosikhin’s Nika (MON860)—a top-tier newcomer with an impressive pedigree from the RC44 class and beyond.
Corinthian Standings
In the Corinthian division, Marco Zammarchi’s Taki 4 (ITA778), helmed by Niccolò Bertola, returned to their dominant form. The four-time Corinthian World Champions fended off a late push from Ákos Csoltó’s Chinook (HUN850) by just two points.
Rounding out the Corinthian podium was Michael Tarabochia's White Room (GER677) with Luis Tarabochia at the helm.
Top 11 Overall (After 8 Races, 27 Teams):
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Dark Energy (USA868) – Laura Grondin – 27 pts
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Razjaren (CRO867) – Ante Cesic – 27 pts
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Melgina (ITA854) – Paolo Brescia – 29 pts – Italian Champion
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Dark Horse (USA870) – Cuyler Morris – 29 pts
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Altea (ITA722) – Andrea Racchelli – 31 pts
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Nika (MON860) – Vladimir Prosikhin – 33 pts
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Panjic (CRO803) – Luka Sangulin – 40 pts
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Taki 4 (ITA778) – Niccolò Bertola – 46 pts – Corinthian 1st
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Chinook (HUN850) – Ákos Csoltó – 48 pts – Corinthian 2nd
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Daito Nano (ITA748) – Dino Orioli – 65 pts
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White Room (GER677) – Luis Tarabochia – 78 pts – Corinthian 3rd
What’s Next?
The third event of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, which also served as the Melges 24 Italian Open Championship and the first scoring event of the 2025 Trofeo Gaudi (the Italian Melges 24 circuit), was hosted in partnership with the Italian Melges 24 Class and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA).
Next up: the fourth event in Struer, Denmark, from 20–22 June.
All eyes are now turning to the season’s biggest prize: the 2025 Melges 24 World Championship, taking place in Trieste, 20–27 September, hosted by Yacht Club Adriaco.
With momentum building, the road to Worlds 2025 is heating up fast.
Full results: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/11730/event
By: by International Melges 24 Class Association