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Pacinotti prevails to win 2018 Melges 20 World League European Division

by IM20CA 16 Sep 2018 15:36 PDT 14-16 September 2018
2018 Melges 20 World League, European Division - Cagliari Filippo Pacinotti, BRONTOLO © Melges World League / Barracuda Communication

An intense final day of racing at the last 2018 Melges 20 World League, European Division circuit event has presented two very strong and impassioned teams with major victories. Igor Rytov's Russian Bogatyrs overcame adversity to win the Cagliari regatta. For Filippo Pacinotti at the helm of Brontolo with tactician Manu Weiller, and crew Federico Michetti and Silvia Morini, massive stars aligned as they retained their top-two status to capture the 2018 Melges 20 World League, European Division crown.

Pacinotti is a name that is legendary in Melges racing history (having sailed the Melges 24, Melges 32, and now the Melges 20). Today, he and his team raise one of the most important trophies he has ever won.

"Today was one of the longest days in my entire sailing career," commented Pacinotti post racing. "This morning, we were quite nervous, but we fought to the very end. This win exceeds our expectations. After our success in Forio d'Ischia, we found ourselves in a place where we could believe we could fight for success. I dedicate this victory to my excellent crew, and to my family that have always endured and encouraged my enormous passion for this sport. Thanks to all the friends who over the years have raced aboard Brontolo - this is their victory too!"

In the very end, Pacinotti managed to edge out runner-up Vladimir Prosikhin's Nika by one point, who up until the eve of Cagliari, was in charge of the 2018 Melges World League, Euro Division ranking. He successfully rose from third, to the winners circle after an amazing performance in Cagliari, where he finished in second place overall.

With Rytov's win in Cagliari, he takes home the regatta trophy, and rounds out the top three positions on the 2018 Melges 20 World League, European Division Ranking.

Drew Freides' Pacific Yankee placed third in Cagliari.

Congratulations to Marco Giannini's Sideval team - they are 2018 Corinthian Melges 20 World League, European Division Champs!

Up Next

In three weeks time, the International Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA) will take to the waters of Cagliari again for two incredible events. The Russian Open will warm-up the fleet on the weekend of October 6-7, followed by the 2018 World Championship, hosted by Yacht Club Cagliari on October 10-13.

In addition, the 2018-19 Miami Winter Series will be revving up, turning up the heat in Coconut Grove for yet another fantastic and fun Winter season of North American, one-design racing. Save the dates for Event No. 1 on November 30-December 2, Event No. 2 on February 8-10, 2019, and Event No. 3 on March 15-17, 2019 - all hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

The Melges World League is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, North Sails, Toremar, Lavazza, Rigoni di Asiago and Melges Europe

Melges World League has signed and adopts the code of ethics of the Charta Smerarlda strongly promoting the values of One Ocean Foundation.

Overall Results: (top five, 6 races, 1 discard)

1.) (RUS) Igor Rytov; RUSSIAN BOGATYRS; [7]-3-1-2-6-2 = 14pts
2.) (ITA) Filippo Pacinotti, BRONTOLO; 1-1-2-6-[16]-11 = 21pts
3.) (USA) Drew Freides, PACIFIC YANKEE; 6-2-7-1-[11]-9 = 25pts
5.) (ITA) Marco Giannini, SIDERVAL; [18]-5-8-4-3-12 = 32pts
4.) (RUS) Vladimir Proshikin, NIKA; [14]-4-12-3-14-4 = 37pts

Quick Links:

2018 Melges 20 World League, Euro Division Overall: (top five, 5 events)

1.) (ITA) Filippo Pacinotti, BRONTOLO; 78pts
2.) (RUS) Vladimir Proshikin, NIKA; 77pts
3.) (RUS) Igor Rytov, RUSSIAN BOGATYRS; 72pts
4.) (RUS) Alexander Ezhkov, PIROGOVO; 69pts
5.) (RUS) Alexander Novoslov, VICTOR; 66pts

Full results available here.

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