2015 Audi-Tron Sailing Series - Day 1 report

by Melges 32 on 18 Apr 2015 Three races were completed at the 2015 Audi-Tron Sailing Series in Italy today under light and unstable wind, which produced an unexpected overnight event leader - Roberto Mazzucato's Margherita who has now been in the fleet for almost two years.

In the waters off Loano, eighteen teams racing with some of the worlds very best sailors collected their best scores ever - and most especially Mazzucato who cashed in a six-one-two to take the overall lead by five points. Thanks to tactician Gabriele Benussi's guidance and direction, combined with a strong afterguard which includes Daniele Cassinari, they now lead the event over Alessandro Rombelli's STIG featuring Francesco Bruni, now back racing after Luna Rossa's withdrawal from the America's Cup competition.

Sitting proud in third is Alec Cutler's Hedgehog with two-time Melges 32 World Champion tactician Cameron Appleton at his side. Giangiacomo Serena di Lapagio sailing G Spot came fourth while the youngest helmsman in the fleet - Dalton DeVos on Delta sits fifth.

Racing will continue on Saturday with a warning of 12:00.

In addition to main sponsor Audi, the Audi-Tron Sailing Series is supported by official sponsors Kuehne+Nagel, Technical Partners Torqeedo, Caffe Vergnano, Bavaria, Usail, Nuova Jolly and The Suite Club.

Top Ten Results (After Three Races):

1.) Roberto Mazzucato/Gabriele Benussi, Margherita; 6-1-2 = 9
2.) Alessandro Rombelli/Francesco Bruni, STIG; 7-4-3 = 14
3.) Alec Cutler/Cameron Appleton, Hedgehog; 8-5-4 = 17
4.) Giangiacomo Serena di Lapagio/Branko Brcin, G Spot; 4-6-8 = 18
5.) Dalton DeVos/Jonathan McKee, Delta; 3-16-1 = 20
6.) Andrea Ferrari/Roberto Spata, Spirit of Nerina; 14-2-6 = 22
7.) Andrea LaCorte/Jesper Radich, Vitamina; 2-9-11 = 22
8.) Mauro Mocchegiani/Tommaso Chiefi, Audi E-Tron; 10-7-7 = 24
9.) Roberto Tomasini Grinover/Vasco Vascotto, Robertissima; 1-8-16 = 25
10.) Edoardo Lupi/Jordi Calafat, Torpyone; 5-12-15 = 28