European Melges 32 - Spectacular regattas conclude

by Media Fraglia Vela Riva on 21 Jul 2014 At the European Melges 32 another week of spectacular regattas have concluded at Fraglia Vela Riva with the presentation of the continental Melges 32 title. Nine very close regattas were raced with the last one being called off due to lack of wind. The best names in International sailing were on board the 17 boats taking part and thanks to the high performing qualities of the Melges 32, were able to put on quite a show on Lake Garda, Trentino. Despite not racing on Sunday, the three previous days of races were fabulous both for the participants and those lucky enough to be present.

Fraglia Vela Riva turns out to be the only club in the world to have organised in three consecutive weeks three separate events at international level for each of the classes one design of the American boatyard Melges Performance Sailboats. The first event was for the Melges 24, which was followed by the 20 and finally Melges 32 with one date still to come at the end of August for the Melges 20 World Championships. This is just the latest record that makes Fraglia Vela Riva among the most dynamic clubs in the world, organising great events ranging from the Optimist for the very young to the larger, high performing Melges and J70 and on to the Olympic classes.

There is understandably a feeling of immense satisfaction among the top brass at Fraglia Vela Riva and on the part of all the land and water staff who worked non-stop in July during these 20 days of regattas. Not to mention the staff involved in registrations, co-ordinators between the Regatta Committee and buoy setters, the organising and managing of the requirements of the International class as well as for the sponsors and competitors. All in all a tour de force which naturally doesn't finish there since next weekend a leg of the Coppa Italia for the new mono-type J70 gets under way with its first continental date set for September.

Audi Melges 32 European Championships
After three days of wind and sunshine and a total of nine races, Robertissima of Tomasini Grinover and Vasco Vascotto took first place. This was a well-deserved win with a steady performance and partials that never went below sixth place. On the second day they climbed into first place in the standings with 'Inga from Sweden' with Richard Goransson and Morgan Larson second equal on points with the Russian 'Synergy GT' with Michele Ivaldi. The three partial wins on each day weren't enough , however, for the Swedes to topple Robertissima who with only one partial win showed steadier form. Lying in fourth place, twelve points from the podium, was Naofumi Kamei of Japan on 'Mamma Aiuto'. Claudia Rossi and Nicola Celon put in a good performance on Wilma.

This event, as in the past ,was enhanced by the presence of the Audi stand erected on the lake-shore next to the Fraglia Vela Riva clubhouse where it was possible to test drive the various Audi models.

The Melges events were organised by Fraglia Vela Riva together with Audi, B. Plan Sports&Events and Melges Europe. We are looking forward to August 20th for the Melges 20 World Championships for more excitement on land and water in a summer at Riva del Garda 'in full sail'.