Biograd Hosts Melges 24 Cup Spring Opener

Seventeen crews have confirmed entries for the Biograd regatta and organizers now require every Melges 24 to carry a Vakaros RaceSense unit, creating a tight pre-event logistics window for equipment checks, spares and on-board installations at the marinas.

Event snapshot and fleet composition

The opening regatta of the spring leg of the CRO Melges 24 Cup runs from 27 February to 1 March in Biograd. Two rounds were already sailed late last year in Split (organized by JK Špinut) and Trogir (JK Trogir). The spring calendar includes Biograd, Zadar, Opatija and a return to Biograd for the Open Croatian Championship at the end of April.

A solid fleet of 17 teams is on the entry list for Biograd, with additional international crews from Italy and Greece expected to join. The Norwegian entry Party Girl, skippered by Jens Altern Wathne, is the notable foreign confirmation so far. Biograd also sees a debut Under‑25 entry from Rijeka aboard Otavic, helmed by Edo Fike — a sign the class continues to attract youth talent.

Race technology and class rule changes

For the first time across the series, the regatta will deploy the Vakaros RaceSense system; race management led by Marko Mišura will also use Robo electronic marks. After amendments to the Melges 24 class rules last year, Vakaros instruments are now permitted to detect premature starters (OCS). That regulatory change turns a technical gadget into mandatory kit: teams are required to carry the devices on board for every CRO event.

This introduces a few logistics constraints: teams must schedule installation slots at the marina, carry spare batteries and wiring, and coordinate with shore techs if a unit flags a fault. In short, it’s not just sail trim anymore — it’s also about who can manage the gear without losing race focus.

Race calendar and host clubs

How the tech rollout affects teams

• Pre-event checks: mandatory RaceSense installation and calibration.
• Spare policy: teams advised to bring spare units or have rapid-access technicians at marinas.
• Data handling: RaceSense logs may be used to adjudicate OCS calls — crews should brief skippers and tacticians accordingly.

Notable entries and youth development

While most top Croatian teams will be on the start line, the series is attracting international interest. The Norwegian Party Girl, skippered by Jens Altern Wathne — a former President of the International Melges 24 Class Association — brings experienced hands to the fleet. The Under‑25 Rijeka team on Otavic, led by Edo Fike, signals a growing pipeline for youth sailors in the Melges 24 class; that matters for class sustainability and for clubs looking to rent training boats or offer youth charters and coaching services.

Logistics, marinas and charter implications

From a boating and charter perspective, events like the CRO Cup shift demand in local marinas. Organizers, sponsors and local yards must coordinate berthing for race support boats, charter yachts and visiting teams. Companies such as Luki Baustoffe, Angelina Yacht Charter, Sailing Point Croatia, North Sails and One Sails are visible supporters — and their involvement can influence rental demand for performance sails, charter captains, and race support vessels.

For anyone in the boat hire business, these regattas are a good reminder: have a race-capable support boat ready, stock spare sails and rigging parts, and ensure your captains are briefed on RaceSense protocols. If you’ve ever had to improvise at the drop of a hat, you’ll appreciate the value of a well-prepped support team.

Sponsors and community support

• Main supporters: Luki Baustoffe, Angelina Yacht Charter, Sailing Point Croatia.
• Technical partners: North Sails, One Sails, Dustom Sails.
• Digital & media: digital studio Akvarij, Raiser digital agency, Smartmotion, ProMarine.

Two weeks after Biograd, the circuit heads to Zadar and then to Opatija — the latter being part of the European Melges 24 Sailing Series and historically the largest turnout in the CRO Cup, often pulling crews from Italy, Austria and other Central European locations. The season culminates back in Biograd for the national Open Championship, where international names such as Paolo Brescia with Melgina are expected to race.

In short: the Biograd opener is more than a weekend of racing. It’s a small logistical exercise involving equipment mandates, marina coordination and international travel plans, and it sends ripples through the local charter and yacht services market. For skippers, captains and charter operators, being tech-ready and having shore support lined up will make the difference between winning and spending the regatta fixing gear.

Wrap-up: The CRO Melges 24 Cup spring opener in Biograd brings 17+ boats, mandatory Vakaros RaceSense gear, international entries such as Party Girl (Jens Altern Wathne) and a promising Under‑25 entry on Otavic. The series schedule runs through Zadar and Opatija before returning for the Open Croatian Championship, and heavy involvement from sponsors and service providers will shape charter and marina activity. Whether you’re a yacht owner, charter captain, or someone looking to rent a boat for racing or leisure, expect increased demand for berths, sails and race-ready support — yacht, charter, boat, beach, rent, lake, sailing, captain, sale, Destinations, superyacht, activities, yachting, sea, ocean, boating, gulf, water, sunseeker, marinas, clearwater, fishing.