Cagliari, Italy (October 9, 2018)
- The International Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA) has officially
reached its peak point of the season. Tomorrow on October 10, the first
warning signal will fire for the start of the 2018 Melges 20 World Championship hosted by Yacht Club Cagliari.
The
field of competitors is set and ready to go anticipating one of the
most uncertain World Championship events held in recent years. Pushing
spectators and race fans further toward the edge of their seats, a
complicated weather forecast is on hand that can only add to the
unpredictability of the final outcome.
The
lead up to the World Championship in Europe has been incredibly
exciting, and for many unprecedented. Of the five events completed,
titles have been bestowed upon four noteworthy, championship
trophy-deserving teams:
Filippo Pacinotti's BRONTOLO
stormed the fleet by winning the Forio D'Ischia circuit opener, then
closed the deal in Cagliari to earn the title of 2018 Melges World
League, European Champion.
Defending World Champ Drew Freides' PACIFIC YANKEE
claimed a big win in Scarlino, and is now on station in Cagliari with
his steady American crew of tactician Morgan Reeser and Charlie Smythe.
2012 Melges 20 Gold Cup Champion Dario Levi at the helm of FREMITO D'ARJA took top honors in Lerici.
And last but not least, but most certainly the one to watch is Igor Rytov's RUSSIAN BOGATYRS.
He is no stranger to Melges 20 success and together with Konstantin
Besputin, he captured Riva del Garda in July, Cagliari in September,
then triumphed this past weekend at the Russian Open. For sure Rytov's
agenda must include the task of adding the title of World Champion to
his already long list of accomplishments.
Standing on the sidelines in attack position is Achille Onorato's MASCALZONE LATINO JR. with Paul Goodison as tactician, and current Melges 20 World League Ranking leader - Vladimir Prosikhin's NIKA with Michele Ivaldi calling tactics.
Thirty-seven
teams are in attendance at the World Championship, representing 11
nations (Australia, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Holland, Italy,
Japan, Monaco, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the USA).
Racing starts on Wednesday, October 10 with the warning signal for the first of ten scheduled races at 13.00 local time.
The
Melges World League is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, North
Sails, Toremar, Lavazza, Rigoni di Asiago and Melges Europe
Melges
World League has signed and adopts the code of ethics of the Charta
Smerarlda strongly promoting the values of One Ocean Foundation.
MEDIA AND RACING COVERAGE
As with other Melges 20 events around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Melges 20 Facebook Page. Be sure to also follow the fleet on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews and photos at melges20.com.
MELGES 20 WORLD CHAMPIONS
2017 (USA) - Drew Freides, PACIFIC YANKEE
2016 (USA) - Michael Illbruck, PINTA
2015 (USA) - John Kilroy, Jr., SAMBA PA TI
2014 (USA) - John Kilroy, Jr., SAMBA PA TI
2013 (USA) - John Taylor, NINKASI
MELGES 20 GOLD CUP CHAMPIONS
2012 (ITA) - Dario Levi, FREMITO D'ARJA
2011 (ITA) - Alessandro Rombelli, STIG
2010 (ITA) - Farnetti/Muscone, REGGINI SAILING TEAM
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