RECENT COVERAGE : January 30, 2008
Eivind Melleby and Petter Morland Pedersen (NOR) are not cross country skiing their way to the gym this winter.  These bleached blonde Norsemen have been cycling, running, sailing and putting everybody to shame in the gym in Coconut Grove, FL as they prepare for the 2008 Star World Championships.  It’s painful just to watch the core exercises that they do.

They are more than willing to endure the pain because they have their eyes on “the biggest prize,” according to Melleby, the helmsman.  The pair, their sailing coach, Lars Loennechen; Melleby’s wife, Karianne and five-month old daughter have been in Miami for months and it shows.  Their performance at Star regattas and practice sessions with other teams has been solid.  They have won several races, including the third and fifth races at US Sailing’s Rolex Miami OCR (MOCR), and have taken some silver home to their temporary accommodations in Miami.  Melleby and Pedersen’s consistency during the opening of this 66-boat regatta has earned them one of the top spots in the gold fleet.  With four days of fleet racing behind them at the MOCR behind them they are in second place for the regatta with one more day of fleet racing remaining.

Melleby and Pedersen finished a disappointing 20^th at the 2007 Star World Championship and have exhibited an extreme amount of self discipline and resolve to perform well as they approach the 2008 World Championships.  They are sure to be tough competition throughout the remainder of US Sailing’s Rolex MOCR and the season.  With only four country berths up for grabs at this year’s World Championship in April, the odds are good that this team will be successful at qualifying.   If their performance at this ISAF Grade 1 event is any indication, they are a shoe in.