2018 Melges 40 Grand Prix Starts at PalmaVela

Beginning on Thursday May 3, the spring appointment of the 2018 Melges 40 Grand Prix kicks off at PalmaVela, hosted by Real Club Nautico de Palma. It marks the start of a long season of regattas for Melges' largest and best one-design racing sailboat.

As always, the Melges 40 Grand Prix guarantees a big show. Over the next few months, several Melges 40 Class regattas will take place at some of the Mediterranean's most chic and prestigious sailing venues.

The Melges 40 Grand Prix 2018 circuit, as previously stated, will commence this coming weekend in Palma de Mallorca, Spain as part of PalmaVela. The Class moves on to Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, Italy on July 5-8 - an event reserved exclusively for the Melges 40. 

Post Porto Cervo, the fleet returns to Spain at the invitation of the organizers of Copa del Rey, a regatta that needs no introduction. 
The fourth and final event of the 2018 circuit takes place in Miami, Florida where the Melges 40, for the very first time will race overseas. It is where you will see the name of the one who has already succeeded in the golden book of the Melges 40 Grand Prix, its first winner - the very Italian STIG by Alessandro Rombelli.

Rombelli has confirmed his presence on the 2018 Grand Prix circuit, returning with none other than Francesco Bruni - his super afterguard. Together with Jordi Calafat, they were the architects behind STIG's wildly successful 2017 season.
Sweden's Richard Goransson helming INGA FROM SWEDEN with world-renown Kiwi tactician Cameron Appleton is back in action and ready to take on the competition, given in great shape after the winter tests held in Palma de Mallorca.

The team being named as the team to beat is Yukihiro Ishida's SIKON representing Japan. With Spain's Manu Weiller at his side calling tactics and in lue of a tremendous victory last year in Palma, they are officially on the watch list.
The list of top competitors also includes Russia's Valentin Zavadnikov (Michele Ivaldi, tactician) sailing DYNAMIQ SYNERGY, and Andrea Lacorte's VITAMINA (Branko Brcin, tactician).

The Melges 40 Grand Prix circuit is thrilled to be supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, and Melges Europe.
Melges 40 Grand Prix has signed and adopts the code of ethics of the Charta Smerarlda strongly promoting the values of One Ocean Foundation.