Off and racing
Melges 20 European Championship has begun with the first regatta of the series completed in picture-perfect conditions.
Photography by Barracuda Communication
24 September 2021
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The action has begun in the Melges 20 European Championship which, after a day of no-race yesterday due to the lack of wind, saw the fleet complete the first regatta of the series today, 23 September.
The breeze, also light today, kept the crews ashore and waiting for a few hours. In the afternoon, the Race Committee chaired by Gabriella Gabbrielli led the fleet in a regatta with an easterly wind.
A very tactical race, which rewarded Dario Levi and his Fremito d’Arja. The crew, which entrusts the tactical choices to Stefano Cherin, has dominated the 2021 Melges World League season so far, presenting themselves in Puntaldia as leader of the ranking seasonal and with high ambitions to conquer the continental title.
The provisional podium after Day 1 brings the colours of Russia to second and third position, thanks to Hubex and Pirogovo Sailing respectively.
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The reigning European Champions aboard Filippo Pacinotti’s Brontolo finish the race in fourth place, Kotyara is fifth.
In the Corinthian division, Benedetta Iovane sets the pace for Day 1 with B.Lex – Ettore Botticini at tactics – followed by Bianca Limonta and Davide Castelli’s Team Bianca and Marco Giannini’s Neodent, slowed down by an early start in today’s race.
Back ashore, the crews were welcomed at the Paddock at the Marina di Puntaldia with an aperitif provided by Baglioni Resort.
In the afternoon, the same area hosted a class of young students from San Teodoro primary school who, thanks to the expert guidance of a biologist and the support of the One Ocean Foundation, discovered more about the Tavolara Marine Protected Area and its marine ecosystem.
The regattas of the Melges 20 European Championship will resume tomorrow at 11am. The wind finally seems to become the protagonist of the event and a day of well stretched south-easterly wind with rough seas is anticipated.
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