Dark Energy wins the third event of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series
Riva del Garda – The final day of a thrilling regatta in Riva del Garda delivered everything the Melges 24 Class is known for: tight racing, changing leads, and a nail-biting finish. With eight races completed and five boats within four points heading into the final showdown, it was Laura Grondin’s Dark Energy (USA868) who emerged victorious, edging out reigning European Champions, Lukasz Podniesinski’s Razjaren (CRO867) with Ante Cesic helming, on a tiebreak.
Behind them, Paolo Brescia’s Melgina (ITA854), with Simone Ferrarese on tactics, claimed third place overall and was crowned 2025 Melges 24 Italian National Champion.
The regatta, hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva and expertly managed by PRO Gabriella Gabrielli, welcomed a fleet of nearly thirty teams, including some of the biggest names in international sailing. Once again, the timeless one-design sportboat designed by Reichel-Pugh proved why it continues to attract elite sailors three decades after its launch.
“It came down to every boat length in the final race,” said Dark Energy’s skipper Laura Grondin, who sailed with a world-class crew including Taylor Canfield, Ian Liberty, Nick Ford, and Mac Agnese.
“We’re really proud of how we held it together and fought for every point. The class is incredibly strong right now, it’s an honor to come out on top.”
Interview with Laura Grondin
Meanwhile, Melgina’s crew of Jas Farneti, Matija Succi, Filippo Vulcanile, Simone Ferrarese, and owner/driver Paolo Brescia delivered a standout performance with two race wins and consistent speed across the weekend.
“It wasn’t easy, but we’re thrilled to take the Italian title,” said Brescia.
Ferrarese added: “We were right there until the last race. It was a super competitive fleet, and the team did an incredible job adjusting to tricky conditions.”
Interview with Paolo Brescia and Simone Ferrarese
Second place in the Italian nationals went to Niccolò Bertola’s Taki 4 (ITA778), while Dino Orioli’s Daito Nano (ITA748) completed the all-Italian podium in third.
Just off the overall podium tied with 3rd, Cuyler Morris’ Dark Horse (USA870), with Manuel Weiller on tactics, led the standings going into Race 8 but slipped to fourth by the finish. Fifth place went to Andrea Racchelli’s Altea (ITA722), followed by Vladimir Prosikhin’s Nika (MON860), a top-tier newcomer to the class with an impressive pedigree from the RC44 and beyond.
Corinthian Standings
In the Corinthian division, Marco Zammarchi’s Taki 4 (ITA778), helmed by Niccolò Bertola, returned to dominant form. The four-time Corinthian World Champions fended off a late push from Ákos Csoltó’s Chinook (HUN850) by just two points. The Corinthian podium was completed by Michael Tarabochia’s White Room (GER677) with Luis Tarabochia at the helm.
Top 11, including Corinthian Top 3 (after 8 races, 27 teams)
Dark Energy (USA868) – Laura Grondin – 27 pts
Razjaren (CRO867) – Ante Cesic – 27 pts
Melgina (ITA854) – Paolo Brescia – 29 pts Italian Champion
Dark Horse (USA870) – Cuyler Morris – 29 pts
Altea (ITA722) – Andrea Racchelli – 31 pts
Nika (MON860) – Vladimir Prosikhin – 33 pts
Panjic (CRO803) – Luka Sangulin – 40 pts
Taki 4 (ITA778) – Niccolò Bertola – 46 pts Corinthian 1st
Chinook (HUN850) – Ákos Csoltó – 48 pts Corinthian 2nd
Daito Nano (ITA748) – Dino Orioli – 65 pts
White Room (GER677) – Luis Tarabochia – 78 pts Corinthian 3rd
The third event of the 2025 Melges 24 European Sailing Series, which also served as the Melges 24 Italian Open Championship – first scoring event of the 2025 Trofeo Gaudi, the Italian Melges 24 circuit, was hosted by the Fraglia Vela Riva in collaboration with the Italian Melges 24 Class and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA).
