Audi back Melges 32

Italian sponsored circuit announced

Audi have officially announced the 2008 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series. The series will include five events and feature a new format. The principal idea behind the creation of this sailing series is to reaffirm and strengthen a racing circuit, a practice and heritage that Audi has fostered for more than ten years.

Already the Melges 32 has won the hearts of Italian owners — Claudio Recchi, the brothers Massimo and Stefano Leporati, Fausto Rubbini, Luigi Amedeo Melegari, Giovanni Maspero, Ferdinando Battistella, Armando Giulietti, Francesco Martino, Savino Formentini, Lorenzo Santini, Lanfranco Cirillo, Antonello Morina, Jacopo Bianchetti, Maurizio Schiavi, Stefano Di Properzio, as well as Great Britain's Joe Woods and Germany's Michael Illbruck.

"We are so excited about this very, very important announcement,' said Federico Michetti, president of Melges Europe. "Audi is one of the largest sponsors in the sailing industry. To have them as a series partner, less than a year after the Melges 32's arrival in Europe is really amazing. The Melges Team has been working hard on this collaboration. This ultimately will make the Melges 32 stronger and stronger worldwide."

The Audi Melges 32 Regatta Series includes ( with Italian style venue embelishments- Ed) :

Regatta 1
9-11 May
Fraglia Vela Malcesine ( http://www.fragliavela.org/)
Malcesine (VR), Lake of Garda
This beautiful location on Upper Garda Lake is a natural sailing venue. With a newly launched yacht club house!

Regatta 2
27-29 June
Yacht Club Cagliari ( http://www.yachtclub-cagliari.com/default_i.html)
Cagliari, Sardinia
This is Sardinia — need we say more!

Regatta 3
11-13 July
Yacht Club Santo Stefano ( http://www.ycss.it/)
Porto Santo Stefano (GR) - Tuscany
A luxurious sailing venue, nothing beats the enchanting Tuscany surroundings.

Regatta 4
5-7 September
Circolo Velico Santa Margherita Ligure ( http://www.circolovelicosml.it/)
Santa Margherita Ligure, Liguria
Located next to wonderful Portofino, this location is perfect for Melges 32 racing.

Regatta 5
3-5 October
Marina Genova Aeroporto
Genova
Taking place in tandem with the famous Genova Boat Show.