Back in action

After a break the Melges 32 Audi Sailing Series gets underway again in Santa Margherita Ligure

The Melges 32 2008 Audi Sailing Series continues with the Italian Santa Margherita Ligure edition, taking place on 5-7 September.
 
There was no Melges 32 regatta in August, so the teams will be keen to get back on the racecourse. At the last regatta of the series in Cala De Medici, Michael Illbruck aboard Pinta snatched victory in turbulent weather conditions on the final day. Massimo & Stefano Leporati’s Kismet took third place Cala De Medici and this was good enough to catapult them into the overall series lead. One point behind lies Claudio Recchi helming Lorenzo Santini’s UKA UKA Racing. A further point behind and third in the series lies Luigi Melegari’s Matrix. With the series leaders so closely packed you can be sure the action will be red hot when the racing starts in Santa Margherita Ligure.
 
12 boats are expected to compete in Santa Margherita Ligure including the arrival of yet another new team - Carlo Alberini’s Calvi Network. Having campaigned very successfully for many years in the Farr 40 class Carlo has now made the move into the Melges 32 class. Racing alongside him will be Sergio Blosi, Irene Bezzi with Mitia Beltram from North Sails in Croatia calling tactics. Carlo told us that he is viewing the Santa Margherita Ligure event as a training regatta in advance of a full on Melges 32 campaign. "After the Farr 40 experience, I am now really excited to begin a new adventure in the Melges 32 fleet. At our first regatta we will find out about the boat and the competition. Then at the next event the full Farr 40 Lifegate Sailing Team will join the Melges 32 circuit. We are delighted that Calvi Network and our other regular sponsors, CIA Trading SRL and Fidinam & Partners will be supporting us in the Melges 32".
 
Crew registration and weighing takes place at Santa Margherita Ligure on Thursday 4 September and racing starts on Friday running through to Sunday. Eight races are scheduled.
 
Melges Europe and the Melges 32 European Class are grateful for the continuing support of their title sponsor Audi.