Registration is now completed by 51 Melges 24 crews are set to commence battle for the Jacob's Creek Melges 24 European Champion 2003 title from today until Friday afternoon.

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`.

Besides all these several excellent crews don´t forget the Finnish teams like `SUUNTO`, `MARINEL PATU`, `SEAWIND` and `CHIQUITA`. These four Finnish teams are tough on home waters...

With ten races over five days ahead the crews are set for some exciting competition and we'll bring you daily news and results.

Source: Fiona Brown