Melges 32 reaches Europe

The big brother to the 24 sailed last week at Torbole Race Week

Under the guidance of Federico Michetti, president of Melges Europe, the very first Melges 32 debuted in Torbole, Italy on Lake Garda during Torbole Race Week over 18-21,July. More than 400 sailors from Austria, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and Sweden were on hand to view and test drive the brand new 32ft sportboat.

"I was certain that the Melges 32 will generate great attention, but the positive feedback received has exceeded my expectations," said Michetti. "Claudio's (Recchi) success at the US Nationals in Newport, Rhode Island a couple of weeks ago has further boosted the popularity and confidence in the Melges 32 - in Europe, and most especially in Italy."

Melges Europe was launched in 2007 May, established in Milan, Italy. It serves as a distribution center overseeing the assembly of the Melges 32 as it enters Europe. It also provides additional support for other Melges products, such as the Melges 24 and Melges 17.

The 2007 Torbole Race Week event was the perfect venue as prevailing conditions produced a spectrum of breeze ranging from 12-25 knots during the three day event. On hand to witness the new boat were 77 competing Melges 24 teams. Over one hundred individuals (and the queue was much longer) took the opportunity to sail the Melges 32 including the very accomplished Italian sailor and winner of the 2007 Melges 24 Primo Cup Regatta - Lorenzo Bressani. In almost 30 knots, everyone agreed the Melges 32 is a real powerhouse, an absolute thrill to sail.

The next Melges 32 European event will take place on 8 September at the Centomiglia on Lake Garda.

To read about a British Melges 32 owner - click here .