Synergy leads at Gaeta, Italy. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
by Joy Dunigan
From the moment that Valentin Zavadnikov's Team Synergy with tactician Tommaso Chieffi arrived on the Gulf of Gaeta they commanded the event. As the final day of racing unfolded, Zavadnikov held off attacks from a combative, second place finisher Andrea Pozzi on Bombarda alongside of tactician Lorenzo Bressani to take the overall win. Zavadnikov, in addition to Chieffi were accompanied by Anton Sergeev, Pavel Mshenski, Konstantin Besputin, Alexander Ekimov, Valeriy Zatsarinskiy and Filippo Ardito as crew.
2013 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
The 2013 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Gaeta edition was organized by B-Plan Sport&Events in full collaboration with the International Melges 32 Class Association, Melges Europe and Yacht Club Gaeta EVS. It was a first class event that in the end, separated the overall winner and the rest of the fleet by one point after a fully completed schedule of eight races.
2013 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Champion - Valentin Zavadnikov, Team Synergy. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
Rounding out the top three was 2011 Series Champion Lanfranco Cirillo aboard Fantastica. Spain's Marc de Antonio's Bribon Movistar finished fourth, followed by Carlo Alberini's Calvi Network in fifth. Deneen Demourkas on Groovederci closed the event in sixth.
Carlo Alberini, Calvi Network. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
It was a very disappointing day for Edoardo Lupi on Torpyone and Edoardo Pavesio's Fra Martina and as they fell from top three positions overnight to end the event in seventh and eighth.
Lanfranco Cirillo, Fantastica. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
The next Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series event takes place in Porto Ercole on May 10-12, and promises to summon a higher number of participants. The arrival of more teams from the United States as well as Europe and abroad are expected to attend.
Valentin Zavadnikov (front row, right) and tactician Tommaso Chieffi (center) celebrate victory with Team Synergy crew in Gaeta! 2013 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Gaeta Champions! Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
The season will then continue with Portoferraio (May 31-June 2), Torbole (12-14 July) and the 2013 Melges 32 World Championship in Porto Rotondo on 16-22 September.
2013 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/BPSE
Melges 32
