Reigning World Champion Shark Kahn, who turns 15 today, will be back with his victorious 2003 crew of Richard Clarke, Mark Christensen, Brian Hutchinson and Brian Lee to defend his title. Amongst those leading the charge to divest Shark of his crown are 2001 World Champion Flavio Favini, reigning European Champion Luca Santella, 2001 European Champion Cedric Pouligny, Sebastien Col, Keith Musto, Rob Smith, Stuart Rix, Kristoffer Spone and Shark's father Philippe Kahn.

Five time Finnish Open Champion Kenneth Thelen has his sites set on winning a record third Corinthian (amateur) World title whilst Norwegian Kristian Nergaard will be equally keen to pip him to the post to take a second Corinthian win.

Ten races are scheduled over five days on windward leeward courses just to the West of Marstrand Island. The championship is being hosted by the Marstrands Segelsällskap from their amazing clubhouse located in a fort at the entrance to the harbour. Crews will receive a generous Scandinavian welcome with plenty of opportunities to sample Marstrand's legendary apres sailing opportunities each evening.

Daily reports, photographs and full results will be posted at www.melges24.com.

Source: Fiona Brown