Devoti Sailing has become the European builder of the International Melges 24 class
Devoti Sailing, headed by Olympic Finn silver medallist Luca Devoti and his partners Tim Tavinor and Roman Teply, is one of the most highly regarded one-design boat builders in the world. Formed by Devoti and Tavinor in 1992 the company is world renowned for the high quality of its products, which include the Finn, 470, Star and Musto Skiff classes.
“We are delighted to have Devoti Sailing Ltd on board as our new European partners.” commented Melges Performance Sailboats President Harry Melges, “With the Melges 24 Class continuing to grow rapidly in Europe it was essential that we find a new builder with both the technical ability and the professional commitment to support the class fully. Devoti Sailing’s reputation is second to none and we have complete confidence in their ability to deliver both the product and the customer support the Melges 24 Class deserves.”
Devoti will commence production of the Melges 24 immediately at their factory in Poland and anticipate launching the first new boats early in 2003. Members of the Devoti team have already spent time at the Melges Performance Sailboats yard in Zenda, USA, learning the finer points of Melges 24 construction. “We are currently shipping the Melges 24 moulds to our facility and preparing the yard to start work. We aim to launch the first Devoti-built Melges 24 just after Christmas.” Said Luca Devoti. “As part of our commitment to the class Tim, Roman and I will all be racing Melges 24s regularly to ensure that we not only understand the technical requirements of the boat but also to keep a finger on the pulse of class activities and owners’ needs.”
Devoti Sailing Ltd will be present at the Paris Boat Show from 7-16 December in association with the French Melges 24 Class Association. “The International Melges 24 Class is delighted that Devoti Sailing is confirmed as the new builder and that Luca Devoti has immediately demonstrated his personal commitment by spending ten days at the Paris Boat Show, where a Melges 24 will be exhibited.” Said IMCA Chairman Henri Samuel.