FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL MELGES 32 CLASS ASSOCIATION
14 APRIL 2018
A breezy day in Forio d’Ischia enables three races giving Melges 32 Class veteran teams the top podium positions
Forio d’Ischia, Italy (April 14, 2018) – Day Two in Forio d’Ischia, Italy delivered three races, officially ushering in the 2018 Melges 32 World League, European Division racing season. In true, competitive Melges 32 style, the points across the top tier of teams at the end of the day is tight, setting up for what will be a very exciting and intense finale on Sunday.
To no surprise, Vincenzo Onorato’s MASCALZONE LATINO with Paul Goodison on tactics creamed the competition, taking home two out of three available daily bullets, giving him the overall event lead. Matteo Balestrero’s GIOGI (Branko Brcin, tactician) and Germany’s Fritz Homann at the helm of WILMA (Nico Celon, tactician) trail in second and third respectively.
After the absence of wind on Day One, the breeze arrived for Day Two – “nice, windy and shifty” is how Homann best described the day.
Giangiacomo Serena Di Lapigio (Michele Ivaldi, tactician) and his team aboard G.SPOT acquired the first bullet of the event. In the breezy conditions and choppy sea state, Serena di Lapigio rallied to held off the likes of Balestrero finishing up in second place, and a hard-charging Homann to take third.
But it was Onorato that made it a spectacular first day by collecting the win in Races Two and Three. After various attempts by Christian Schwoerer’s LA PERICOLOSA (Sebastian Col, tactician), Poland’s Waldemar Salata’s CASINO ROYAL (Tomislav Basic, tactician) and Lasse Petterson’s PIPPA (Matteo Ivaldi, tactician), Onorato stayed strong and secured the number one position.
Kilian Holzapfel aboard HOMANIT (Jolbert Van Dik, tactician) also had a great day to capture the overall Corinthian division lead, and under no circumstances will he let his guard down. Just behind are Martin Reintjes’ CAIPIRINHA (Gabriele Benussi, tactician) and fleet newcomer Manfredo Toninelli sailing T.ONE. They wait patiently in second and third, ready to take advantage of any opportunity that will afford them the overall Corinthian event win.
The first warning for the final day of racing – Sunday is 10.00.
The Melges World League is strongly supported by Helly Hansen, Toremar, North Sails, Garmin Marine and Lavazza.
The Melges World League has signed and adopted the code of ethics of the Charta Smerarlda strongly promoting the values of One Ocean Foundation.
MEDIA AND RACING COVERAGE
As with all Melges 32 events around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Melges 32 Facebook Page. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews, and photos. Race reports, press releases and photos will be available online each day post-racing at melges32.com.
Visit the Official Event Yachtscoring Website
TOP FIVE RESULTS (PRELIMINARY – After Three Races)
1. ITA 2121 MASCALZONE LATINO – Vincenzo Onorato / Paul Goodison; 8-1-1- = 10
2. ITA 172 GIOGI – Matteo Balestrero / Branko Brcin; 2-7-2 = 11
3. GER 193 WILMA – Fritz Homann / Nico Celon; 3-5-5 = 13
4. GER 229 LA PERICOLOSA – Christian Schwoerer / Sebastian Col; 5-2-7 = 14
5. MON 181 G.SPOT – Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio / Michele Ivaldi; 1-11-3 = 15
View Full Results
2018 MELGES 32 WORLD LEAGUE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Event 1: Forio d’Ischia, 13 – 15 April
Event 2: Marina di Scarlino, 1-3 June
Event 3: Riva del Garda, 26 – 28 July
Event 4: Cagliari, 30 August – 1 September
Event 5: World Championship – Cagliari, 17 – 20 October
2018 Melges 32 World League Sizzle Reel
Day One Highlight Video
Day Two Highlight Video
Melges 32 on Facebook
Melges 32 on Twitter
Melges 32 on Instagram
Melges 32 on YouTube
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ABOUT THE SPONSORS
The IM32CA would like to extend a very special thanks to the following sponsors who make the 2018 Melges 32 World League, European Division racing possible:
Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Lavazza, Toremar, and North Sails.
ABOUT THE MELGES 32
The Melges 32 is one design racing at its very best. Since 2005, it has successfully delivered bigger, better, more-simplified sailing that is fun and competitive. An exclusive Reichel/Pugh keelboat design, the Melges 32 possesses one of the most diverse regatta schedules that includes many prestigious venues supported by an organized and well-established class association, attracting some of the world’s most notable sailing superstars. For more information, visit the International Melges 32 Class Association (IM32CA) at melges32.com.
ABOUT THE MELGES WORLD LEAGUE
The Melges World League is the ultimate one-design competition, uniting the Melges 32 and Melges 20 owners across the globe into one streamlined championship system. It is a season-long series that includes regattas hosted at the world’s most desirable venues, featuring sailing’s best owner/drivers and Corinthian sailors throughout North America, Europe and Asia. News, results and other info will be published online as it becomes available at melgesworldleague.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For media photos (web and/or high resolution) or other info regarding the 2018 Melges 32 World League – European Division, please contact: eurofleet@melges32.com