M32 World Championship Kicks Off with a Thunderous Start
Global Talent Meets Lake Garda: M32 World Championship Kicks Off with Thunder
2-8 September 2024
The M32 World Championship has commenced, promising exciting racing ahead. Reigning champions Rated X, under the leadership of skipper Jake Julien, are the team to beat this season.
Although they have been dominant in most events, Rated X faces stiff competition from several challengers. Notably, Surge, helmed by Ryan McKillen, recently won the pre-worlds regatta, proving their skill in local lake conditions. Other strong contenders, such as Extreme2, led by Dan Cheresh, and Pursuit, with Bill Ruh at the helm, are also gunning for the trophy.
The regatta’s opening day was disrupted by heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Trentino region and Lake Garda. After a half-day postponement, race officials chose to cancel racing for the day. However, forecasts for Friday indicate an improvement, with expectations of Lake Garda’s famous sunny skies and the Ora wind, providing a more favorable racing environment. Teams are eager to capitalize on the more predictable weather.
The opening party set an upbeat tone for the regatta and the extensive social schedule, taking place in the magnificent 200-year-old Villa de Lutti. With stunning views of the mountains and the town of Riva, this historic venue echoes a legacy that predates the America’s Cup! Guests, including teams and their partners, enjoyed a lavish seven-course Italian meal, creating a sense of celebration and camaraderie ahead of the competition.
This year’s crew list highlights the impressive talent in the competition, with representatives from over 12 nations. The fleet boasts an array of championship winners and legends, showcasing remarkable diversity and skill. As sailors from around the globe come together, every race promises to be a thrilling clash of champions.
M32 World Championship 2024 Crew List:
Rated X USA #69
- Jake Julien USA
- Keith Swinton AUS
- Rhys Mara AUS
- Julius Hallström SWE
- Jeff McCoey USA
Dingbat USA #70
- Bobby Julian USA
- Tom Burton AUS
- Ed Powys GBR
- Will Tiller NZL
- Lewis Brake AUS
Surge USA #63
- Ryan McKillen USA
- Taylor Canfield USA
- Sam Loughborough USA
- Ted Hackney USA
- Luke Payne AUS
Youngblood USA #71
- Miles Julien USA
- Carlos Robles ESP
- Bernardo Freitas POR
- Dan Morris USA
- Moritz Spitzhauer AUT
Pursuit USA #65
- William Ruh USA
- Charlie Smythe USA
- Rome Kirby USA
- Chris Steel NZL
- Cooper Dressler USA
Cape Crow Vikings Sweden #77
- Hakan Svensson SWE
- Dave Doucett USA
- Andre Henriksson SWE
- Hans Wallen SWE
- Jakob Wilson SWE
Lucky Dog USA #54
- Travis Weisleder USA
- Jeremy Wilmot USA
- John Bowden USA
- Mark Bulkley GBR
- Stewart Dodson NZL
Extreme2 USA #52
- Dan Cheresh USA
- Morgan Larson USA
- Luke Muller USA
- Scott Ewing USA
- Mac Agnese USA
Gravedigger USA #42
- James Prendergast USA
- Richard Mason GBR
- Mark Spearman AUS
- Martin Kirketerp DEN
- Nicholas Heiner NED
Vitamina ITA #51
- Andrea LaCorte ITA
- Matteo De Luca ITA
- Federico Benini ITA
- Andrea Spagnoli ITA
- Matteo Ferraglia ITA
Warrer Racing DEN #47
- Peter Warrer DEN
- Jonas Warrer DEN
- Daniel Bjørnholt DEN
- Gustav Schwennesen DEN
- Mads Fuglbjerg DEN
Sarah Mitchell, an experienced sailor and marine journalist from Sydney, has nurtured a love for the ocean throughout her life. After earning a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Sydney, Sarah quickly made a name for herself with her compelling and vivid storytelling. Her work captures the thrill of sailing and the unique culture of maritime life, making her a respected figure in the sailing community. Outside of writing, Sarah spends her time exploring Australia’s stunning coastlines and competing in local regattas, always on the lookout for her next great adventure.