Audi named worldwide Title Sponsor for the Melges 20

by Melges Performance Sailboat on 22 Jan 2009 Melges Performance Sailboats and Melges Europe are proud to announce that Audi has officially been named international title sponsor for the Melges 20.

'From the very start, our goal for the Audi Melges 20 was to deliver a boat that was simplistic and sophisticated. With this sponsorship, it has taken another major step toward that goal, ultimately securing its place in sailing history,' said Harry Melges, CEO of Melges Performance Sailboats. 'For Audi Melges 20 owners, this level of support could not come at a more opportune time.'

'This new agreement for exclusive worldwide titling came about through the express desire and initiative of Audi Italy,' said Riccardo Simoneschi, chairman of B-Plan, one of Europe's top sports marketing agencies. 'For many years, Audi has hosted the top names in international sailing. It is this level of commitment that has made Audi a visionary in the sport of sailing. They wanted to be associated with the latest and most anticipated one design boat by Melges, a name that needs no introduction.'

For Audi, this sponsorship further represents their continued involvement and dedication to the arena of competitive sailing. With this support, in Audi tradition, they look forward to contributing to the technical and competitive growth of the Audi Melges 20. This is yet another distinct opportunity to explore and encourage the development of all forms of yachting competition.
With this announcement, the Audi Melges 20 International Class joins its larger keelboat counterpart, the Melges 32 — the star of the last season's Audi Sailing Series in Europe. This regatta circuit, which continues in 2009, is a true culmination of more than a decade of experience and provided support to other classes.

Cohesive partnerships thus far have made the Audi Melges 20 a great success. McConaghy Boats, one of world's most prestigious boat manufacturers was announced as the official builder and introduced to the global market place as designed by the legendary Reichel Pugh Yacht Design.

The Audi Melges 20 is 2009 One Design Boat of the Year by Sailing World Magazine.