The Official Magazine of the International Melges Class Association

Transcription

1 The Official Magazine of the International Melges Class Association

2 Some racing sails try to imitate North 3DL, but only 3DL sails are thermo-formed in their flying shape on a 3-dimensional mold. 3DL sails assume their designed shape earlier in the wind spectrum and hold it longer than any other sails in the world. It s why winners in every America s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, Key West Race Week, Sydney-Hobart and Fastnet Race in the past 10 years have carried 3DL. Call your North Sails representative today and discover which 3DL style is right for your boat and your budget. Low risk, high reward... North is the best sail investment you can make. 3DL sails are thermoformed on a full-sized 3-dimensionalmoldthatiscomputer-shamold is computer-shaped pedfor each hi individual id sail. The 3DLl laminate is bonded d with heat, causing it to conform precisely tothe heshapeof the mold in a manner similar to a shrink-wrapping process.optimumshapeislocked-inand shape is and stable. The real thing...only from North Sails Faster by Design SAIL-123, ext

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5 2009 M32 Yearbook Table of Contents 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Santa Margherita Ligure Carlo Borlenghi b-plan Features 9 Part Year In Pictures 12 RECAP: Rolex Big Boat Series 14 RECAP: 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series 20 Part Year In Pictures 24 RECAP: Gold Cup Regatta 26 Now An ISAF Class 28 Global Fleet Reports 30 About The Melges 32 It s A Lifestyle Event Previews Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Melges 32 USA Sailing Series Melges 32 World Championship September In Every Issue 7 International Melges 32 President s Message Jeff Ecklund 8 International Melges 32 Administrator Joy Dunigan 22 Hall of Fame IM32CA Class Contacts 32 International Melges 32 Events Schedule Full updates, event announcements and a complete schedule can be found online at the official website and blog of the International Melges 32 Class Association, and blog.melges32.com.

6 Event No April Event No May 8-10 Event No June 6-7 Event No July Event No September Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Malcesine Carlo Borlenghi b-plan The European Melges 32 Fleet welcomes all Melges 32s to participate in the 2009 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series. Come and enjoy some of the most beautiful sailing venues in Italy and the hottest sportboat racing in the world. blog.melges32.com

7 International Melges 32 Class President Jeff Ecklund Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici Stefano Gattini b-plan As the Melges 32 Class ushers in 2009, we proudly look back upon 2008 s milestones with a great sense of accomplishment. We look ahead to the upcoming year with a revitalized USA regatta series, another European sailing circuit and now, as an ISAF Recognized Class, we have fresh ideas and a brand new sense of purpose. Everyone is well aware that the Melges 32 has become the most popular 30-ft sportboat in the world. It is an outstanding product that has made owners and sailors alike look at competitive yacht racing in a completely different way. It s fun, fast, simple to sail, far more affordable than other boats, easy to ship and tow, and a great boat that delivers one design racing unlike any other. Combine all this with a strengthening International Class organization, the support of Melges Performance Sailboats in North America, Melges Europe in Italy and Melges Asia Pacific in Australia, and we have just the right mix for success in 2009 and beyond. I encourage all owners worldwide to take a close look at the 2009 Melges 32 USA Sailing Series. Seven, high-profile events that take us from the East Coast to the West Coast, then back to finish the year in Ft. Lauderdale with another fantastic Gold Cup Regatta. The 2008 Gold Cup was magnificent. Special thanks to the Lauderdale Yacht Club for such a great event. Congratulations are in order for Marty Kullman and Mike Carroll and their entire crew on New Wave on a very well-deserved win. Marty, Mike and his team are a great representation of the true Melges 32 Class Corinthian spirit was an exceptional year for the Melges 32 in Europe. On the behalf of the Class, I would like to extend a very sincere and special thanks to Audi, our European Sailing Series sponsor. The Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series (AM32SS) delivered five events at some of Italy s finest venues. Seventeen boats competed overall. That number is predicted to significantly increase in Claudio Recchi and his Uka Uka Racing team did an amazing job in 2008 winning three of the five events; an achievement far superior than anything seen to date. Special thanks to Filippo Pacinotti, our European Fleet President who continues to lead the Melges 32 in Europe with strength and perseverance. I would like to welcome Stephen Pugh as our North American Fleet President. Being that several of the USA events will take place in California, Stephen accepted the position and we know he will do a fine job at growing the West Coast fleet. For the last three years, Stephen has traveled to the east to compete. We hope to see the fleet travel west and make the Nationals, as well as our first North American Championship a huge success. Speaking of first events, the International Melges 32 Class will hold its first World Championship in Again, special thanks to our European sponsor Audi for helping us secure one of the most prestigious sailing venues in the world Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy. We hope to see everyone there! The Class is still very young and we need everyone s thoughts and ideas on how to continue to strive for excellence. The Melges 32 is the best, but we need everyone s input and actions; most importantly your participation and patronage, to keep it that way. Jeff Ecklund, International Melges 32 Class President jecklund32@me.com T: +1 (954) F: +1 (954) M: +1 (954)

8 International Melges 32 Class Administrator Joy Dunigan 08 Welcome to the third edition of the M32 Yearbook. This year's goal was to showcase as many images as possible captured during Trust me, there are many more great photos than you see featured here. Thousands of images were browsed before making the final 2009 selections. Speaking of 2009, we have some great regattas around the world to look forward to; just think about all the fun we are going to have while racing! KEEPING IT COMPETITIVE AND FAIR The fleet is growing at a rapid pace internationally and with that growth, many of you have experienced the class becoming more proactive with rule enforcement in particular membership, Crew and Sail Declarations as well as Sail Buttons. The Melges 32 Class is fast becoming known for its own brand of Melges racing that means there is a lot of fun, fast sailing to be had but, it also means quite a bit of prep work for each team to submit to the class for approval prior to racing. Some of you may be accustomed to this process if you have raced the Farr 40, Mumm 30 (now the Farr 30) and TP52 before, but there may be some of you that may be entirely new to this concept. Three weeks prior to a Melges 32 event (and six weeks prior to a World Championship) each competing team is required to submit a Crew Declaration (IM32CA Rules, Appendix 3.1). With this declaration the class will post all competing team crew lists online that include each crew member's ISAF ID no., classification and expiration. Based on the IM32CA's review of each crew member, this list will also indicate as to whether an entire team is approved to race. At the recent Gold Cup, West Coast Owner and North American Class President Stephen Pugh emphasized to the entire fleet how important it is to keep your crew honest, and that truly it is the sole discretion and responsibility of the owner to make sure that who you have on board is categorized by ISAF correctly. This instills and preserves integrity within our fleet and most importantly keeps racing fair and much more enjoyable for everyone. The class stands behind this 100%. An Owners Declaration (IM32CA Rules, Appendix 5) is also required for competition and should be submitted at the same time as the Crew Declaration. The last item is your Sail Declaration (IM32CA Rules, Appendix 3.2). This must be submitted by the close of registration, as stated in the NOR, for that regatta. slightest rule change must be approved by the IM32CA, then provided to the ISAF for final approval. Recommended rule changes and suggestions must be provided to the class by June 1 for consideration. ISAF reviews this information at its yearly AGM in November, with approved rule changes effective January 1. MORE MELGES 32s MORE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Communication is a key part of the process for ultimate fleet growth. The IM32CA is dedicated to constantly improving communication internally and externally. In 2009, look forward to a brand new international website that better supports the growing needs of owners and team captains on many levels. Onsite at events please be on the look out as press releases, full results and photo galleries are generated by the class, posted online at and distributed via . Look forward to many more video uploads to the IM32CA blog and YouTube account. All of these tools have proven very successful and well accepted. Be sure to sign-up to receive the RSS Feed, where all the latest news and announcements can be delivered right to your desktop. Also on the press and IM32CA PR team, please extend a continued warm welcome to Justin Chisholm, the IM32CA European Press Officer. Justin brought us all the excitement from Europe in 2008 at the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series; look for lots more in 2009! Besides being onsite at many of the events, communication and marketing efforts within the class are a continuous work in progress. We love suggestions and hearing from everyone, so don't be shy in sharing information with us, especially if it is something that everyone may be interested to know. A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE MELGES TEAM The next time you see Andy Burdick, Harry Melges, Federico Michetti and/or Luisa Bambozzi, please be sure to thank them for all the hard work and effort they have put forth for the Melges 32. These individuals have put countless hours, not just into product design and manufacturing a high-quality racing machine, but they possess a unique passion and love for sailing. In everything they do and say, they wear this proudly as a badge of their unwavering support and dedication for Melges owners worldwide. Sail fast! In 2009, the IM32CA will follow a more detailed process for rule changes. Now that we are an ISAF Recognized Class, even the Joy Dunigan, IM32CA Administrator Press Officer joy.dunigan@melges32.com T: +1 (912) F: +1 (912) M: +1 (912) M32 Yearbook: 2009 IM32CA Administrator

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10 10 ACURA Key West 2008 Midwinter Champion Jeff Ecklund, USA-32 Star 2008 Melges 32 U.S. National Champion Jeff Ecklund, USA-32 Star STAR JOY IM32CA 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici Stefano Gattini b-plan Stephen Pugh JOY IM32CA 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Stefano Gattini b-plan Pegasus JOY IM32CA 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Year In Pictures

11 11 Jeff Ecklund John Payne Photography Mike Carroll JOY IM32CA Terry Hutchinson JOY IM32CA Marco Constant JOY IM32CA 2009 USA Sailing Series Event No. 1 : ACURA Key West 2009 Jan Key West, Fla.

12 RBBS Rolex Big Boat Series St. Francis Yacht Club San Francisco, California USA 12 If the Melges 32 proved anything at the Rolex Big Boat Series it s fully loaded with West Coast potential. The Melges 32 fleet spent four, high-quality days on San Francisco Bay with rapid current and conditions generating tight, competitive racing. John Porter on Full Throttle (who, at the time only sailed the Melges 32 once prior) along with his boys nephew Brian Porter Jr., son Corbet Porter and guided by Harry Melges calling tactics, Dave Navin, Charlie Harrett and Sam Rogers beat out Pieter Taselaar on Bliksem in second. Michael Illbruck on Pinta Racing, one of Porter's fiercest rivals, was third. Full Throttle JOY IM32CA Two years of first-class, California-style racing definitely made an impression on the International Melges 32 Class Association will bring the next National Championship, the very first North American Championship and of course another dose of RBBS! Stay tuned to for full 2009 schedule details. Stephen Pugh JOY IM32CA TOP TEN RESULTS 1. John Porter (USA-32) Full Throttle 2. Pieter Taselaar (USA-169) Bliksem 3. Michael Illbruck (GER-401) Pinta Racing 4. Joe Woods (GBR-700) Red 5. Philippe Kahn (USA-166) Pegasus 32 Don Jesberg JOY IM32CA 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Rolex Big Boat Series Recap

13 International Melges 32 Events Schedule Joe Woods JOY IM32CA 13 The Prize JOY IM32CA Philippe Kahn JOY IM32CA 2009 USA Sailing Series Event No. 6 : Rolex Big Boat Series Sept St. Francis Yacht Club; San Francisco, CA

14 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Malcesine Carlo Borlenghi b-plan 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Recap

15 AM32SS Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Event No. 1 Fraglia Vela Malcesine Event No. 2 Cagliari Event No. 3 Tuscany Event No. 4 Santa Margherita Ligure Event No. 5 Lerici For title sponsor Audi, Melges Europe and the International Class, the 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series was a great success. Seventeen teams participated in the five-part regatta series and it all began in beautiful Malcesine, then traveled onward to Cagliari, Cala de Medici and Santa Margherita Ligure. The grand finale took place in Lerici in early October where Claudio Recchi aboard Lorenzo Santini s Uka Uka Racing was crowned champion. His tactician Gabriele Benussi and crew Andrea Felci, Federico Michetti, Vittorio Rochelli, Luca Favarelli, Carlo Zermini and Giovanni Puntello celebrated the victory too. Recchi participated in every Audi Melges 32 series event and won an impressive three out of five - Cagliari, Santa Margherita and Lerici. It was this performance that delivered him the well deserved overall title. All these guys are fantastic to sail with and they are the real reason we have been successful. The Melges 32 is a truly great class, superbly well organized, with marvelous competitors and races at some great venues. I think, 2009 will be even better, with more boats and a World Championship in Porto Cervo, said Recchi. Full results and reports for the entire 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series can be found online at the official website of the International Melges 32 Class Association, Michael Illbruck Carlo Borlenghi b-plan Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Cagliari Carlo Borlenghi b-plan Stefano et Massimo Leporati Stefano Gattini b-plan 2009 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Event No. 1: Apr Event No. 2: May 8-10 Event No. 3: Jun. 5-7 Event No. 4: Jul Event No. 5: Sept

16 16 Ferdinando Battistella Stefano Gattini b-plan TOP TEN RESULTS (Overall Series) 1. Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) Uka Uka Racing 2. Luigi Melegari (ITA-181) Matrix 3. Stefano et Massimo Leporati (ITA-172) Kismet 4. Fausto Rubbini (ITA-170) Thule 5. Martino Francesco (ITA-161) Pilot Italia 6. Savino Formentini (MON-1999) Bitipi 7. Stefano di Properizio (ITA-651) Mataran 8. Michael Illbruck (GER-401) Pinta Racing 9. Cirillo Lanfranco (ITA-164) Team Fantasticaaa 10. Ferdinando Battistella (ITA-177) Hublot Big Bang 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Recap

17 AUDI Melges 32 Sailing Series Winners Regatta No. 1 Luigi Melegari (ITA-181) Regatta No. 2 Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) Regatta No. 3 Michael Illbruck (GER-401) Regatta No. 4 Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) Regatta No. 5 Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) Carlo Alberini JOY IM32CA 17 Matrix Stefano Gattini b-plan 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Malcesine Carlo Borlenghi b-plan Uka Uka Racing Stefano Gattini b-plan Luigi Melegari Carlo Borlenghi b-plan 2009 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Event No. 1: Apr Event No. 2: May 8-10 Event No. 3: Jun. 5-7 Event No. 4: Jul Event No. 5: Sept

18 1. ACURA Key West 2009 Jan ACURA Miami Grand Prix Mar East Coast Championship Apr U.S. National Championship TBD (West Coast) 5. North American Championship Sept Rolex Big Boat Series Sept Gold Cup Regatta Dec Seven regattas, seven venues, seven chances to race your Melges 32 at the finest venues North America has to offer. Race from coast-to-coast and enjoy sailing against the best sailors in the world, in the U.S.A!

19 2008 JOY U.S. MELGES 32 CLASS ASSOCIATION Delivering The Goods Safely, Reliably, Legally. Choosing an event is easy, getting there can sometimes be a challenge. Latis Yachting Solutions' logistics, set-up, secure storage and transportation services are just that a professional, licensed and insured company that helps get your boat where its going safely, reliably and legally. **UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT**

20 20 Terry McSweeney Ron Copfer Trey Sheehan 2008 JOY IM32CA ACURA Miami Grand Prix MVM32: Michael Illbruck, GER-401 Pinta Racing Michael Illbruck JOY IM32CA Joe Woods JOY IM32CA David Hoyt JOY IM32CA 2008 Newport Regatta MVM32: David Hoyt, USA-184 Goat 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Year In Pictures

21 Sperry Top-Sider St. Petersburg NOOD MVM32: Marty Kullman/Mike Carroll, USA-131 New Wave Gold Cup Regatta MVM32: Marty Kullman/Mike Carroll, USA-131 New Wave 2008 St. Pete NOOD & Gold Cup Champions JOY IM32CA 21 ACURA Key West 2008, presented by Nautica JOY IM32CA Gabriele Benussi JOY IM32CA Peter Rogers JOY IM32CA Steve Rhyne JOY IM32CA Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD East Coast Champion MVM32: Joe Woods, GBR-700 Red Bob Hesse JOY IM32CA Derek Campbell JOY IM32CA Full updates, event announcements and a complete schedule can be found online at the official website and blog of the International Melges 32 Class Association, and blog.melges32.com.

22 International Melges 32 Hall of Fame 22 Entries 2008 Event Champion Sail No. 22 U.S. National Championship Jeff Ecklund (USA-32) 27 ACURA Key West Jeff Ecklund (USA-32) 20 Gold Cup Regatta Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) 20 ACURA Miami Grand Prix Michael Illbruck (GER-401) 14 Audi Sailing Series Event No. 5 Lerici Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) 11 Audi Sailing Series Event No. 4 Santa Margherita Ligure Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) 11 Audi Sailing Series Event No. 3 Cala de Medici Michael Illbruck (GER-401) 12 Audi Sailing Series Event No. 2 Cagliari Claudio Recchi (ITA-1) 12 Audi Sailing Series Event No. 1 Malcesine Luigi Melegari (ITA-181) 9 Rolex Big Boat Series John Porter (USA-32) 3 Newport Regatta David Hoyt (USA-184) 7 Primo Cup Stefano et Massimo Leporati (ITA-172) 15 Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD East Coast Championship Joe Woods (GBR-700) 6 Sperry Top-Sider St. Petersburg NOOD Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) 2007 Events 16 U.S. National Championship Claudio Recchi (USA-93) 20 ACURA Key West Claudio Recchi (USA-93) 16 ACURA Miami Grand Prix Claudio Recchi (USA-93) 7 Rolex Big Boat Series Philippe Kahn (USA-166) 18 Winter Tune-Up Michael Illbruck (GER-401) 13 Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) East Coast Championship 8 Sperry Top-Sider St. Petersburg NOOD Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) 2006 Events 9 U.S. National Championship Jeff Ecklund (USA-32) 8 ACURA Key West Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) 5 ACURA Miami Grand Prix John Porter (USA-128) 11 Winter Tune-Up Jeff Ecklund (USA-32) 7 Sperry Top-Sider Chicago NOOD Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) 6 Sperry Top-Sider St. Petersburg NOOD Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) 2005 Events 1 ACURA Key West 2005 Boat of the Week Jeff Ecklund (USA-32) 2009 M32 Yearbook: Hall of Fame

23 23 Claudio Recchi Carlo Borlenghi b-plan Uka Uka Racing Stefano Gattini b-plan 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Champion Claudio Recchi, ITA-1 Uka Uka Racing 2009 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Event No. 1: Apr Event No. 2: May 8-10 Event No. 3: Jun. 5-7 Event No. 4: Jul Event No. 5: Sept

24 25 Chanel Miller JOY IM32CA Christopher Williford, Team Barbarians JOY IM32CA Jeff Ecklund John Payne Photography 2008 Gold Cup John Payne Photography 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Gold Cup Recap

25 GC Melges 32 Gold Cup Regatta Lauderdale Yacht Club Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The 2008 Melges 32 Gold Cup Regatta, hosted by the Lauderdale Yacht Club, could have been best described as the world series of sailing. A quick look at the scratch sheet was as entertaining as the eight intense races held during the three-day event. 26 Victory was sweet for class veterans Marty Kullman and Mike Carroll on New Wave. They were present when the class was born and have fostered the Corinthian spirit many times over. At the Gold Cup, tactician Scott Nixon was the only professional on board accompanied by Ron Hyatt on the bow, Alex Shaffer, Jay Kuebel, Steve Liebel and Judah Rubin. I love one design sailing. The power and speed of the Melges 32 is awesome making it a lot of fun to sail. And, the fact that you can trailer the boat makes getting around to more regattas possible and we get to sail against some of the best sailors in the world. said Kullman after racing. In second overall was Jim Swartz on Q with Gavin Brady calling tactics. John Kilory was third on his famous Samba Pa Ti with Terry Hutchinson serving as tactician. TOP TEN RESULTS 1. Marty Kullman Mike Carroll (USA-131) New Wave 2. Jim Swartz (USA-007) Q 3. John Kilroy (USA-13131) Samba Pa Ti 4. Carlo Alberini (ITA-186) CALVI Network 5. Jeff Ecklund (USA-32) STAR 2008 John Payne Photography A Lasting Impression. Adding to the excitement of notable names and sailing icons draping the docks, some of America's most aspiring youth sailors got the opportunity of a lifetime to race with and against the best in the world. Nika Hendrick, Julian Harris, Haley Fox, Kai Friesecke, Kyle Pond, Alex Fox, Dominque Wright, Duncan Williford, Wade Wadell, Matias Agnese, Erick Fields, Alec Agnese, Chanel Miller, Matias Roberts, Erika Reineke, Karl Ryder, Josh Horton, Megan Place and Christopher Williford enjoyed a full day on Saturday of the event. They could be seen driving the boats out to the course, in between racing and some even had the chance to helm this powerhouse as it planed downwind. No other fleet in the world provides junior sailors the chance to the experience top-notch performance sailing such as this. Only the Melges USA Sailing Series Event No. 7: Gold Cup Dec. 4-6 Lauderdale Yacht Club; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

26 26 Now An ISAF Recognized Class In November 2008, the International Melges 32 Class Association became an ISAF Recognized Class. This meant that the IM32CA could now hold world championships, intercontinental regattas and other major events taking racing the Melges 32 to an entirely new level. With this new class status, the strength and fleet maturity is officially confirmed. The Melges 32 is a first-class sportboat in the performance, one design category, said International Melges 32 Class President Jeff Ecklund. With this milestone, I m certain this boat will continue to grow fleets worldwide. Some of the very best sailors in the world are populating this fleet. I m not just speaking about the ultra-superstars in sailing, I am specifically talking about the amateur, owner/drivers in this class that want to enjoy a great product, sail fast and competitively, affordably. Fascinatingly enough, the stringent guidelines that ISAF requires a class to meet for status consideration enabled the IM32CA to take stock in fleet facts. The Melges 32 demographics revealed that more than 90 boats are sailing worldwide, covering Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Monaco, Switzerland and the United States, supported by builders, sales and distribution points on three continents. And, the numbers continued to rise, especially at regattas. At a time when financial worry is at the forefront of media and conversation, the Melges 32 experienced an overall increase in participation at almost every regatta in North America in Federico Michetti, president of Melges Europe proudly represented the IM32CA in Madrid, Spain at ISAF's AGM. Globally speaking, this is a very exciting time for the Melges 32. The great success of this class in Europe, as well as in North America and Australia, not to mention the partnerships it has acquired over a very short period of time, is impressive. This is proof that the yachting world really has a unique confidence in this boat IM32CA Contacts Builder Melges Performance Sailboats Andy Burdick T: +1 (262) andy@melges.com F: +1 (262) P.O. Box 1 Zenda, Wisc USA Sales & Distribution Melges Europe Federico Michetti T: federico@melges.com F: Via Santa Maria Cologno Monzese Milano, Italy Melges Asia Pacific (Northshore Yachting Services) Heath Walters T: sales@melges.com.au F: Unit 2/29 Tathra Street West Gosford NSW Australia International Melges 32 Class Association International President Jeff Ecklund T: +1 (954) jecklund32@me.com F: +1 (954) M: +1 (954) European Fleet President Filippo Pacinotti T: ita.667@gmail.com F: pacinotti@gmail.com M: North American Fleet President Stephen Pugh T: +1 (415) spugh@apr.com Class Administrator Press Officer Joy Dunigan T: +1 (912) joy.dunigan@melges32.com F: +1 (912) M: +1 (912) Ford Ave, Unit B Richmond Hill, Ga USA Official IM32CA Website Official IM32CA Blog blog.melges32.com International Sailing Federation Authority (ISAF) sailing.org 2009 M32 Yearbook: ISAF Recognition IM32CA Contacts

27 W 2009 Melges 32 World Championship September Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

28 Global Fleet Reports from afar. It was this event in particular that really struck a chord. Everyone took notice as the Melges 32 was the most followed one design class in attendance. 28 Michael Illbruck JOY IM32CA R.A.C.E. In The U.S.A. The Melges 32 Class achieved great success in the North American regatta market in It experienced tremendous growth from coast to coast, not only in fleet size, but also the number of venues the class participated. In total, 8 high-quality events, complimented by exquisite sailing destinations, made 2008 a year to remember. The official racing season commenced in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at the Winter Tune-up Regatta in late December This event really got things going with one of the higher event participation levels a record eighteen teams. The fleet traveled next to Key West, where an impressive 27 teams raced for five days at one of the worlds best venues for one-design competition. This was the largest gathering of Melges 32s ever. The ACURA Miami Grand Prix concluded the 2008 Winter Series with another astounding turnout of 20. All three events were well attended by U.S. entrants with international presence from the UK, Canada, Germany and Italy. Since 2007, the Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD has served as the Melges 32 East Coast Championship. Annapolis spawned another great turnout where more than 14 boats competed. This event led up to the U.S. Nationals held in Newport, R.I. at the New York Yacht Club s prestigious Race Week at Newport, presented by Rolex. Twenty-two teams set another record, making the Nationals the largest ever. Another event, two years in the running for the Melges 32, was the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, Calif. during mid-september. The attendance level during 2007 was exceeded by 2. Nine teams total competed three international entrants among them, proving that the Melges 32 is a great success on the West Coast scene, simultaneously proving its ability to draw international teams And last, but certainly not least, was the inaugural 2008 Melges 32 Gold Cup Regatta hosted at the beginning of December by the Lauderdale Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Once again, this event kicked off the 2009 racing season. Despite higher rumored attendance levels, the unpredictable financial world economy took its toll, however a record-breaking 20 entries still made a show, and what a show it was. Some of the world s best sailors were on hand to compete. Fresh off of receiving ISAF Recognized Class status and the formal appointment of Jeff Ecklund as International Melges 32 Class President, this event was a celebration of its current success, as well as all that awaits the fleet in What is in store for 2009? The 2009 Melges 32 USA Sailing Series! This elite collection of events, carefully selected to accentuate the Melges 32 positives tight, competitive racing, participation at high profile events, as well as the addition of stand alone events preserving the spirit of the class, encouraging more owner enjoyment as well as higher participation in some of America s most beautiful and prestigious yachting venues. You can bet that the 2009 racing schedule in North America will be as exciting as Although a deteriorating world economy looms, fleet growth continues. The interest level for the boat and accumulation of new owners and racers remain high. The number of events has increased for 2009 as well, as a more concentrated approach to growing fleets locally facilitated by the first West Coast National Championship. Peter Taselaar JOY IM32CA 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Fleet Reports

29 European Excitement The Melges 32 International Class made its formal debut in Europe last February, when it announced its formal partnership with Audi. The Audi Sailing Series is a concept developed in the recent years and in 2008, it was dedicated for a full season of racing with the Melges 32. Audi, Melges Europe and the IM32CA worked closely together to make the Melges 32 the most attractive one-design owner/driver sportboat Class. From the start, the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series was well received everyone knew that this would be huge. In the end, the regatta circuit was an overall success, considering that the Melges 32 is still growing in Europe. It has attracted owners from many other fleets demonstrating that it has full potential and that it is a great boat for a large group of owners. The 2009 season will be filled with many more milestones. With ISAF recognition, Europe is proudly looking forward to holding a Worlds in one of the best sailing venues of the world Porto Cervo. Audi, thanks to the partnership signed with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, has been key in securing this venue for the event. The Class expects boats at every single event of the 2009 Audi Sailing Series circuit and hopes to host potentially more than 25 boats for Worlds. Of course, the European Melges 32 Class is very excited about the potential for the attendance of boats from North America. The Class and Melges Europe are working on logistics and chartering packages for overseas owners who may be interested in competing. 29 The 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series (AM32SS) comprised of five events and more than 15 boats from Italy, Germany and the UK participated. At each event, the fleet could count on more than 10 boats to be on the starting line Malcesine, Cagliari, Cala de Medici, Santa Margherita Ligure and finally, Lerici completed the destinations. Each venue boasted an exemplary social package. A very special thanks goes to Michael Illbruck and his Pinta Racing Team, as they were fantastic in organizing great activities before and after races. Besides the AM32SS, 2008 has produced many more highlight moments of achievement for the Melges 32 in Europe, including its acceptance at the Primo Cup in Monte Carlo, the formation of a European Owner Committee, ISAF recognition, as well as the announcement of a World Championship to be held in beautiful Sardinia, Italy Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici Stefano Gattini b-plan 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, Lerici Stefano Gattini b-plan All The Way Australia In the land down under, the Melges 32 continues to generate a high level of interest and grow the national fleet. Like all Melges boats that are becoming common to the Australian sailing scene, the Melges 32 is a breath of fresh air for the Aussie sailing market delivering fun, competitive racing to the Asia Pacific rim. Highly acclaimed international events such as the 2008 Asian Regatta and Hamilton Island Race Week remain as favorites for current and potential owners who are keen to participate. A new Melges 32 was delivered to Japan in 2008, increasing the possibility of more fleet growth in Asia. While in the Oceanic region, Hamilton Island is a popular venue offering ideal conditions for sailing the Melges 32. Downwind runs really showcase its powerhouse profile and supersonic personality. For more information about the Melges 32 in Australia and Asia, please visit melges.com.au. Full updates, event announcements and a complete schedule can be found online at the official website and blog of the International Melges 32 Class Association, and blog.melges32.com.

30 About The Melges 32 It s A Lifestyle! 30 Luigi Melegari Stefano Grattini 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 2009 M32 Yearbook: Meet The Melges 32

31 31 The Melges 32 represents one-design racing at its best. With its storied heritage and clean lines, the flagship of the Melges keelboat fleet combines big-boat performance with ease of handling. This sporty challenger can be seen competing in a wide range of regattas at some of the world's most prestigious venues. KEY FEATURES A sleek hull shape, clean deck layout and rig Powerful sail plan that is easy to sail and fun 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. Easy to ship and tow worldwide ISAF Recognized Class Highly publicized and well-rounded regatta schedule Globally supported by an organized Class Association Regularly updated website and blog filled with race reports, photos, video and more stay on top of everything Melges 32! Full updates, event announcements and a complete schedule can be found online at the official website and blog of the International Melges 32 Class Association, and blog.melges32.com.

32 International Melges 32 Events Schedule 2009 North American USA Series 32 Host Club Point Regatta Date Title & Location of Contact Docs. Due Jan ACURA Key West 2009 Key West, Fla. Andy Burdick Jan. 2 Winter Championship Series Event No. 2 andy@melges.com Mar. 5-8 ACURA Miami Grand Prix Miami Beach Marina Andy Burdick Feb. 13 Winter Championship Series Event No. 3 Miami, Fla. andy@melges.com May East Coast Championship American Yacht Club Ed Tillinghast Apr. 24 Rye, N.Y. etillinghast@sheppardmullin.com TBD 2009 U.S. National Championship West Coast Joy Dunigan TBA joy.dunigan@melges32.com Sept North American Championship TBD Joy Dunigan Aug. 15 San Francisco, Calif. joy.dunigan@melges32.com Sept Rolex Big Boat Series St. Francis Yacht Club Joy Dunigan Aug. 22 San Francisco, Calif. joy.dunigan@melges32.com Dec. 4-6 Gold Cup Regatta Lauderdale Yacht Club Joy Dunigan Nov. 13 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. joy.dunigan@melges32.com 2009 European Jan Audi Melges 32: Winter Tune-Up 2 Varazze (Tirreno Sea) Luisa Bambozzi N/A eurofleet@melges32.com Jan Feb 1 Audi Melges 32: Winter Tune-Up 1 Ancona (Adriatic Sea) Luisa Bambozzi N/A eurofleet@melges32.com Jan Feb 1 Audi Melges 32: Winter Tune-Up 2 Varazze (Tirreno Sea) Luisa Bambozzi N/A eurofleet@melges32.com Feb Primo Cup Yacht Club de Monaco Luisa Bambozzi Jan. 22 Monaco eurofleet@melges32.com Mar. 7-9 Audi Melges 32: Winter Tune-Up 1 Ancona (Adriatic Sea) Luisa Bambozzi N/A eurofleet@melges32.com Apr Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series : No. 1 TBA Luisa Bambozzi Mar. 27 eurofleet@melges32.com May 8-10 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series : No. 2 TBA Luisa Bambozzi Apr. 17 eurofleet@melges32.com Jun. 5-7 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series : No. 3 TBA Luisa Bambozzi May 15 eurofleet@melges32.com 2009 M32 Yearbook: 2009 Events Schedule

33 2009 European Cont d. Host Club Point Regatta Date Title & Location of Contact Docs. Due Jul Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series : No. 4 TBA Luisa Bambozzi Jun. 26 eurofleet@melges32.com Aug. 1-8 Copa Del Rey Palma de Mallorca Luisa Bambozzi Jul. 10 Balearic Islands, Spain eurofleet@melges32.com Sept World Championship Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Joy Dunigan Aug. 6 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series : No. 5 Porto Cervo, Italy joy.dunigan@melges.32com Jan ACURA Key West Key West, Fla. Dec. 18 May-Jun. East Coast Championship TBA - Accepting Bids TBD European Championship TBA Jun. U.S. National Championship TBA - Accepting Bids - Great Lakes Aug. Pacific Coast Championship TBA - Accepting Bids Sept. Rolex Big Boat Series St. Francis Yacht Club Pre-World Championship San Francisco, Calif. Sept World Championship TBA Dec. Gold Cup Regatta Lauderdale Yacht Club Ft. Lauderdale, Fla Jan. ACURA Key West Key West, Fla. May East Coast Championship TBA - Accepting Bids Jun. U.S. National Championship TBA - Accepting Bids - East Coast Sept. Pacific Coast Championship TBA - Accepting Bids Sept. Rolex Big Boat Series TBA - Accepting Bids Dec. North American Championship Lauderdale Yacht Club Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Full updates, event announcements and a complete schedule can be found online at the official website and blog of the International Melges 32 Class Association, and blog.melges32.com.

34 JOHN PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY 1600 West Lake Drive Ft. Lauderdale, Fla USA [954] johnpaynephoto.com

35 Sharon Green photo The same company that produced advanced composite spars and rigging for winners in the America s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, Barcelona World Race, Sydney-Hobart, Farr 40s, Mumm 30s and Melges 24s also produce the spars and components for your Melges 32. Every M32 spar made in our dedicated Southern Spars One-Design facility is repeatedly bend and weight tested during construction to ensure exceptional uniformity and consistent performance. So, the next time you re heading out to the starting line, look up and remember that you (and a lot of exceptional company) are sailing with the best. Want to make sure your boat is totally optimised? Southern Spars has Rig Pro service centres in La Ciotat, France; Portsmouth, RI; Capetown, SA and Auckland, NZ.

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