International Melges 32 Class Association appoints new president

by International Melges 32 Class Association on 21 Jan 2016 Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, owner and helmsman of Melges 32 MON-181, G-SPOT, member of Yacht Club de Monaco and Vice President of Circolo Nautico e della Vela Argentario, has been appointed as the new President of the International Melges 32 Class Association (IM32CA) for the 2016-17 term.

Following the legacy of past President Jason Carroll, Serena di Lapigio is looking forward to supporting and growing the class in both Europe and North America.

'When I was offered to take the presidency of the class, I assumed it was the usual title without real work,' commented a deeply committed Serena di Lapigio. 'Instead, after speaking with various owners, friends and key people in USA and Europe, I realized there is much to be done and I accepted enthusiastically.'

'Our goal is to provide an entertaining class that sees the arrival of many new entries, and signal that the Melges 32 never ceases to attract sailors who enjoy sailing strictly one-design. Most especially in a class that continues to attract the very best sailors and champions to some of sailing's most prestigious venues around the world.'

For the past three seasons, Serena di Lapigio has been a staple at European and North American regattas, carrying the flags of both his G-SPOT racing team and that of the IM32CA. The 2016 season will see Serena di Lapigio, the board and the entire class management involved in promoting events in North America and Europe, guiding them along a unique path leading to the 2016 World Championship happening in Newport, R.I. on 29 September - 2 October.

'One of our commitments as a class today is to bring together the North American and European fleets while offering Melges 32 owners a new circuit which aims to encourage, facilitate and enhance the participation on both continents,' continued Serena di Lapigio.

'The activity in North America in recent months is very lively thanks to the launch of the Blue Water Series in Florida. European enthusiasm is high with the forthcoming European Sailing Series. In a few months, the focus will shift to Newport for the ultimate contest in grand-prix, one-design racing - the 2016 Melges 32 World Championship.'

Following in the footsteps of many successful owner-class presidents that have successfully navigated changes in the Melges 32 Class, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio states that one item remains a priority - every event must provide an unforgettable sailing experience.

With renewed enthusiasm in both North America and Europe along with a strong Class President, board and continental Fleet Managers, the forecast is calling for steady, promising conditions for the International Melges 32 Class.