The Legacy of the Melges 24 European Championship: thirty years of excellence

When the inaugural Melges 24 European Championship was held in Barcelona in 1996, few could have imagined that it would become one of the most prestigious titles in international one-design sailing. Thirty years later, in 2026, the championship returns for its 17th edition, bringing together another generation of sailors determined to add their names to a remarkable roll of honour. From 29 August to 4 September, Tønsberg Seilforening in cooperation with the Norwegian Melges 24 Class and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) will host the 2026 Melges 24 European Championship.

While every championship writes a new chapter, every champion becomes part of a story that stretches back nearly thirty years.

The Giorgio Zuccoli Trophy – A Legacy of Excellence

Every European Champion is awarded more than just a title–they become the next custodian of one of the most meaningful trophies in the Melges 24 Class. Their name is engraved alongside the greatest sailors in the history of the Melges 24 Class.

The Giorgio Zuccoli Trophy, the perpetual trophy of the Melges 24 European Championship, honours the memory of the Italian sailmaker and outstanding sailor who became the first Melges 24 European Champion when the inaugural championship was held in Barcelona, Spain, in 1996. 

Giorgio Zuccoli's achievements extended beyond his European title. In 2000, despite battling bone cancer, he claimed the Melges 24 World Championship, demonstrating the determination, sportsmanship and passion for sailing that continue to inspire Melges 24 sailors today. Tragically, he passed away on 27 March 2001, only months after lifting the world title.

Later that same year, at the 2001 Melges 24 European Championship on Lake Garda in Torbole, Italy (94 entries from 12 countries), the Giorgio Zuccoli Trophy was presented for the first time. Since then, every European Champion has added another name to its distinguished roll of honour, joining a legacy that has spanned nearly three decades and representing the very highest achievement in European Melges 24 racing.

Since Giorgio Zuccoli claimed the inaugural title in Barcelona, the trophy has been lifted by many of the greatest names in Melges 24 history. Italian sailors have enjoyed remarkable success, with Flavio Favini and Carlo Fracassoli each claiming the European title twice, while more recent champions include Andrea Racchelli, Michele Paoletti and the reigning European Champion, Ante Češić of Croatia. The trophy's distinguished roll of honour also reflects the truly international character of the championship, with memorable victories by Britain's John Merricks, one of the sport's most celebrated sailors, France's Christian Roman and Cedric Pouligny, and Switzerland's Christopher Rast. Every name engraved on the Giorgio Zuccoli Trophy represents not only victory at a single regatta, but a place in the continuing history of one of one-design sailing's most prestigious championships.

The Menno Meyer Corinthian European Trophy

The Menno Meyer Corinthian European Trophy celebrates the spirit of Corinthian sailing that has always been at the heart of the Melges 24 Class. Designed by renowned Dutch artist, goldsmith and accomplished sailor Menno Meyer (1930–2022), the perpetual trophy recognises the highest-finishing all-amateur team at the Melges 24 European Championship.

A seventh-generation metal designer from the Netherlands, Meyer combined exceptional artistic craftsmanship with a lifelong passion for sailing. A gifted helmsman who was part of the Dutch pre-selection for the 1968 Olympic Games, he also designed numerous prestigious sailing trophies throughout his career. The trophy he created reflects the values he shared with the Melges 24 Class–excellence, sportsmanship and the belief that amateur sailors can achieve extraordinary success at the highest level of competition.

Since its introduction, the Menno Meyer Corinthian European Trophy has honoured some of the finest amateur sailors in the Melges 24 Class while demonstrating that Corinthian teams can consistently challenge for overall podium finishes.

No Corinthian sailor has left a greater mark on the trophy than Estonia's Tõnu Tõniste, whose Lenny team captured an unprecedented four Corinthian European titles (2007, 2011, 2014 and 2021), a record that still stands today. More recently, Croatia's Ante Botica and Mataran 24 became the first team to win the trophy in consecutive championships, claiming back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2024. The trophy's distinguished roll of honour also includes Great Britain's Geoff Carveth and Gill Race Team by Miles Quinton, Italy's Niccolò Bertola aboard Taki 4, Norway's Peder Jahre with Storm Capital Sail Racing, and British sailing legend Keith Musto – each adding another chapter to the rich history of Corinthian excellence within the Melges 24 Class.

Melges 24 European Championship by the Numbers

1996 - The first Melges 24 European Championship is held in Barcelona, Spain.

17th - Tønsberg will host the 17th edition of the championship.

Two - Perpetual trophies honour the Overall and Corinthian European Champions.

30 years - Of championship history across Europe.

Four - Corinthian titles won by Estonia's Tõnu Tõniste, the championship record.

Two - Overall titles won by Flavio Favini and Carlo Fracassoli, the only sailors to have lifted the Giorgio Zuccoli Trophy twice.

2026 - The championship returns to Northern Europe after the Worlds in Middelfart, Denmark, in 2023.

The history of the Melges 24 European Championships

History is already written. The next chapter begins in Tønsberg. Join the fleet.

The road to Tønsberg is entering its final stretch. With an international fleet already taking shape, now is the latest time to secure your place on the starting line.

Looking ahead to the championship, Norwegian Melges 24 Class President Vemund Gransæther said: “Championship in Tønsberg! We look forward to welcoming friends and competitors from across Europe to experience Norwegian sailing at its very best. This championship is about more than racing-it is about bringing our international Melges 24 family together in an exceptional venue.

The entry list already features an impressive mix of experienced championship contenders, national champions, Corinthian teams, and rising talent, setting the stage for close racing throughout the fleet. Beyond the racing, competitors can expect the welcoming atmosphere for which Norway is known. From the historic waterfront of Tønsberg-the oldest town in Norway-to the post-race gatherings at the yacht club, this championship is designed to create memorable experiences both on and off the water.

With one month to go, preparations are entering the final stretch and excitement continues to build. If you have not yet entered, now is the time. Join Europe's best Melges 24 sailors in Tønsberg for a week of outstanding racing, close competition and the unique camaraderie that defines the Melges 24 Class.”

From 29 August to 4 September, the 17th Melges 24 European Championship will bring together experienced champions, ambitious Corinthian teams and the next generation of Melges 24 sailors–all competing to become part of a championship legacy that began in Barcelona three decades ago.