CREWS ALL SET TO GO AT JACOB'S CREEK MELGES 24 EUROPEANS IN HELSINKI

Registration is now completed and the fifty six Melges 24 crews are set to commence battle for the 2003 Jacob's Creek Melges 24 European Champion title tomorrow morning. Today the teams took part in two practise races, giving everyone a chance to familiarise themselves with the race area and the competition. As I write the competitors are enjoying a fabulous welcome party hosted by event sponsors Jacob's Creek with the Thors Hammer band including the crew of Marinel Patu providing the music (it's seriously loud and very good!) and a somewhat confusing and very international game of volley ball going on in the middle of it all.

Back at the racing, although the reigning European Champion, Cedric Pouligny, is not here to defend his title several of his championship winning crew are including Jean Francois Cruette (FRA) who has gone on to further success in the class helming "Scuttum". Also here is the very successful "Partner & Partners" team (FRA) which has a new helsman for this event in the shape of Olympic Silver Medallist Morgan Reeser from the USA, who makes a welcome return to the class after a couple of seasons out. Reigning World Ranking Series Champion Jamie Lea (GBR) is also here with Richard Thompson's "Black Seal" team hoping to finally add the European Championship title to their list of wins.

Olympic Silver Medallist Keith Musto has teamed up with Tim Tavinor and Roman Teply, of the new Melges 24 European builder Devoti Sailing, who are racing in their first major Melges event. Other familiar faces include the legendary Alba Batzill (GER) helming for Vittorio Strosek in "Vito", Francesco Bruni (ITA) helming for Preti Adriano of "Ale Ali 3", Luca Santella helming for Giovanni Maspero's "Joe Fly" team, Kristoffer Spone with Nils Hauff aboard "Fruen Maren" and Flavio Favini with Franco Rossini's "Blu Moon".

With ten races over five days ahead the crews are set for some exciting competition and we'll bring you daily news and results. To be added to our e-mail circulation list please E-mail Fiona Brown.

The IMCA thanks sponsors Jacob's Creek, Scandic Hotels and 3M for their support.

For further information about the Melges 24 European Championship and the IMCA please contact Fiona Brown, Tel +44 7711 718470, E-mail Fiona.Brown@melges24.com.