Melges 20 and Melges 32 World League Grand Prix in Puntaldia, Sardinia
by Melges Press Office 29 May 04:50 PDT
The second seasonal Grand Prix of the Melges World League for the Melges 32 and Melges 20 classes ended today on the Sardinian regatta field of Puntaldia.
In the Melges 32 class, the theme of the final day of the regatta included the duel between the German Wilma of Fritz Homann (with Nico Celon), who was the best on Friday, and the reigning World Champion, the Norwegian Pippa 2 of Lasse Petterson (with Gabriele Benussi).
Before the last race, the two teams were level on points: an excellent start by Wilma and Pippa's forced tack to the right side of the windward leg, the most disadvantaged, immediately resolved the match allowing Wilma to lead. Wilma had an easy game to close first on the finish line, winning the victory in the Puntaldia Grand Prix 2 of the Melges World League against Pippa. The third step of the podium goes to the Blue Next team of Bonfiglio Mariotti.
Among the Melges 20, the Monegasque Nika (pt. 8) of Vladimir Prosikhin (with Manu Weiller as tactician) wins ahead of Matteo Marenghi Vaselli (pt 12) at the helm of Raya (with Tomislav Basic on tactical calls). The third step of the podium goes to Fremito d'Arja (pt 27) by Dario Levi (flanked by Stefano Cherin). B.Lex of Benedetta Iovane wins the Corinthian division.
The next round of the Melges World League is scheduled from 21 to 23 July on the Riva del Garda regatta field for a special event that will see the Melges 24 and Melges 32 fleets on the water at the same time for the first time. The Melges 20 class will return to race once again together with the Melges 32 from 30 August to 3 September at the Argentario, guests of Porto Ercole.
Melges World League thanks Marina di Puntaldia and the official technical partners Garmin and Sailmon, besides of the event partners: Comune di San Teodoro, Sardinia Dream Villas, Banca Aletti - Gruppo Banco BPM, Consorzio di Puntaldia, Banor, Mag.nus, Due Lune Puntaldia Resort & Golf, Baglioni Resort Sardinia, Catellani & Smith, Il Marino di Puntaldia, Popkore, Nuraghe Crabioni, Lurisia Premium Beverages, Smeraldina, Tenuta Teo d'Oro, Petrognola.