M32 World Championship 2023: Sailing Excellence at Lake Garda, Italy
M32 World Championship at Lake Garda, Italy – Day 3
2-8 September 2024
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On day three of the M32 World Championship, the race area was shifted closer to the center of Lake Garda to present the teams with fresh challenges and create more opportunities for maneuvers. The top four teams—YoungBlood with Miles Julien, Surge with Ryan McKillen, Rated X with Jake Julien, and Extreme2 with Dan Cheresh—remained fiercely competitive, with none gaining a significant lead.
As the wind strengthened, the race committee requested a reef. The reigning World Champions, Rated X, demonstrated their skill and advanced to the top of the leaderboard, now holding a six-point advantage. However, this lead isn’t secure, as five races are slated for the final day.
The battle for podium positions is intense, with teams closely matched in points. Pursuit, led by skipper Bill Ruh, claimed victory in Race #10. “We had a tough day yesterday, so we are pretty happy to have a more solid day today,” Ruh commented. He added, “Everyone is working hard to improve, and you can see that on the race course.” Consistent performances from Dingbat’s Bobby Julien and Gravedigger’s James Prendergast keep them competitive as well.
The weather forecast for the final day appears tricky, as rain is expected to arrive later in the day. The teams will head out early for a morning start, with plans to conclude the competition in the northern Peler, which will present yet another set of challenges. The climax of this regatta is imminent, with the crowning of the 2025 M32 World Champions set to take place at day’s end.
A major aspect of the M32 class is the social interaction and camaraderie among the teams. Today, the Fraglia Vela Riva hosted a BBQ for the entire M32 family upon their return to the harbor. Ryan McKillen of Surge, sitting in third place, expressed excitement about the upcoming celebrations for Sunday night.
For more information, please visit m32world.com.
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.