Melges 24 European Sailing Series Cup arrives in Riva del Garda

by International Melges 24 Class Association on 4 Jul 2014 Audi and Melges 24 are gathering for the first time at Riva del Garda for what is the fourth act of the European Sailing Series, taking place between today and Sunday at the upper Benaco Lake side with 46 participating teams coming from eleven nations.

The competition that been called Audi tron European Sailing Series Melges 24 is hosted by the Fraglia Vela Riva Yacht Club. This event is valid as the third act of the Italian Sailing Series and is held by the Audi Hospitality that the Organising Agency B.Plan Sport&Events has realised for the Audi Tron Sailing Series, competition dedicated to the Audi Melges 20 and Melges 32 crossing the start line this coming second and third weekend of July.

Just after the Kieler Woche, the International Melges 24 Class Association has welcomed this opportunity to come and race in Riva del Garda associated by the automotive brand. This beautiful spot has always been one of the most favourite sailing areas among the monohull sailing boats produced by the Melges Performance Sailboats.

Among all teams we have some big names in the international professional sailing world, we can count on Flavio Favini, reigning Melges 24 world champion with two titles at Key West 2001 and Geelong 2014 - sailing back with Blu Moon a few months back after his injury.

We also have Audi Tron of the Audi Italia Sailing Team helmed by Riccardo Simoneschi, standing leader and winner at the Kieler Woche; Wadadli, helmed by Matteo Ivaldi, winner of the European title on Blu Moon; Gianluca Perego's Maidollis, with the Olympian Gabrio Zandonà; Andrea Racchelli's Altea, leader of a successful sailing start; Matteo Balestrero and Nicola Celon's Giogi, tough runner up of the European Championship at Lake Balaton in May.

Among foreign teams Martin Trcka's ICZ Rodop, successful Olympian that has been for a few seasons one of the best sailors in the one-design class.

Audi Tron European Sailing Series Melges 24 races are taking place between today and Sunday. A total of 12 races are planned with a daily limit set at three. The discard will be coming into effect after the fifth score.

This year's edition of the Melges 24 European Sailing Series will introduce the Corinthian ranking as it is usual in all the events of the Melges 24 Class and this will be called as Pro Am. This series has proven to be a success from the first edition with a very high participation.

You can check the entry list here.

http://melges24.com/europeansailingseries" target="_blank">Event website