by Joy Dunigan
Thanks to its great media success, the International Melges 32 Class Association (IM32CA) and the Audi Sailing Series is ready for big fleet racing in Porto Ercole. Event No. 2, happening May 10-12 will commence with twenty-one teams on the starting line, representing 8 nations. The first event held in Gaeta organized by BPSE - B.Plan Sport & Events, have shown an increase in audience and media interest three-times higher in comparison to years past. These results are the reward of strong commitment of many partners that also include the IM32CA and Melges Performance Sailboats worldwide who keep promoting and strongly supporting one design racing.
Adding to the media excitement, BPSE has just released and Audi Sailing Series App, compatible with all smartphones and tablets. The App is easily downloaded online at Apple's App Store and Google Play. This newly born App is a useful tool that can keep everyone up to date on everything Audi Sailing Series, including sailing instructions, useful accommodation facilities close to the regatta sites and much, much more.
Needless to say, everyone's attention will be focused on Gaeta Champion Valentin Zavadnikov's Team Synergy. Currently seated second overall in the Series is Andrea Pozzi at the helm of Bombarda (who is just back from the victories at the Pirelli-Coppa regattas with Carlo Negri aboard a TP52, chartered for the special occasion), and third place Lanfranco Cirillo on Fantastica are equally two very strong teams that should not be overlooked.
This stage will be a great opportunity for the Audi Ultra Giacomel of Mauro Mocchegiani to get back on track. Marc de Antonio's Bribon-Movistar, Carlo Alberini's Calvi Network and last, but certainly not least is Deneen Demourkas' Groovederci from the USA are all expected to have big roles in the results this weekend.
Returning to the European stage is newly appointed IM32CA Vice President Richard Goransson on Helly Hansen Inga From Sweden 3, Yukihiro Ishida aboard Yasha Samurai and Wolfgang Stolz on Opus One from Germany.
Porto Ercole happens this weekend hosted by the Circolo Nautico e della Vela dell'Argentario. The next events are Portoferraio (Event No. 3 on 31 May-2 June), and Torbole (Event No. 4 on 12-14 July). The final event will be the 2013 Melges 32 World Championship on 18-22 September in Porto Rotondo, Italy.
FULL ENTRY LIST
1.) Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio/Andrea Fornaro, Atlantica 19
2.) Mauro Mocchegiani/Enrico Fonda, Audi Rush Diletta
3.) Andrea Pozzi/Lorenzo Bressani, Bombarda
4.) Marc de Antonio Altimira/Gustavo Martinez Doreste, Bribon Movistar
5.) Filippo Pacinotti/Nathan Wilmot, Brontolo
6.) Carlo Alberini/Flavio Favini, Calvi Network
7.) Malcolm Gefter/Sam Rogers, Celeritas
8.) Lanfranco Cirillo/Michele Paoletti, Fantastica
9.) Edoardo Pavesio/Chris Rust, Fra Martina
10.) Deneen Demourkas/Mark Mendelblatt, Groovederci
11.) Richard Goransson/Hamish Pepper, Inga from Sweden
12.) Roberto Pardini/Lucio Gelsi, Celedrin Janas
13.) Diasuke Kimura/Manuel Weiller, Mamma Aiuto!
14.) Vincenzo Onorato/Gabriele Benussi, Mascalzone Latino
15.) Wolfgang Stolz/Jesper Radich, Opus One
16.) Roberto Tomasini Grinover/Vasco Vascotto, Robertissima
17.) Andrea Ferrari/Carlo Fracassoli, Spirit of Nerina
18.) Valetin Zavadinkov/Tommaso Chieffi, Team Synergy
19.) Edoardo Lupi/Branko Brcin, Torpyone
20.) Andrea Massi/Francesco Cruciani, ULIKA
21.) Yukihiro Ishida/Richard Clarke, Yasha Samurai
