Hyeres To Host 2009 Melges 24 European Championship

The 2009 International Melges 24 European Championship will be hosted by the Cercle d’Organisation du Yachting de Compétition Hyérios (COYCH), in Hyeres, France from 21 to 28 August 2009.

As host of the 2006 Melges 24 World Championship and the annual Novembre a Hyeres regatta, Hyeres is already an extremely popular regatta venue for the Melges 24 fleet.  The stunning Cote d’Azur location, exceptional sailing conditions, excellent logistical links and outstanding facilities make it a natural choice for major events and the International Melges 24 Class is delighted to once again be working with the COYCH and the French Melges 24 Class.

Hyeres’ popularity and close proximity to a large proportion of the European Melges 24 fleet means that a record entry of more than eighty boats is expected for this event.  Reigning Melges 24 European Champions Flavio Favini and the Swiss Blu Moon team of Franco Rossini are expected to defend their title, whilst Lorenzo Santini’s Italian Uka Uka team will be hoping to add the European Trophy to their cabinet which already holds the 2008 Melges 24 World Trophy.  Challenging them will be the best of the European Melges 24 teams as well as crews from North America and Australia.

Registration for the regatta will open on Friday 21 August, there will be practise racing on Sunday 23 August and Championship racing will run from Monday 24 to Friday 28 August.  The social programme will include an official opening ceremony, après sailing gatherings and a gala prize giving ceremony.  Hyeres is famous for its hospitality and looks forward once again to welcoming the Melges 24 teams.

The Notice of Race, Entry Form, accommodation and logistical information are all available from the official event web site www.m24european2009.com. 

The event is most generously supported by official sponsors Vile d’Hyeres, Conseil General du Var, Conseil Regional PACA, Office du Tourisme d’Hyeres, Eurovoiles, Quantum Sail Design Group, Brasserie Le Tocco, X Voiles – Russo and Ricoh.

For further information about the 2009 International Melges 24 European Championship please visit the event web site at www.m24european2009.com or contact:-

Bastien Berenguier

COYHC Press Officer

E-mail - bastien@neodyme-communication.com

Mobile - +33(0)671 291651

Fiona Brown

IMCA Press Officer

E-mail – fiona.brown@melges24.com

Mobile - +44(0)7711 718470

Skype - fpbrown

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. For more information, visit the official class websites of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) and the French Melges 24 Class Association.