Michael Illbruck Holds Early Lead at Melges 20 Worlds

Scarlino, Italy (August 25, 2016) – The Melges 20 World Championship officially got underway today with three races in a mistral breeze of 10-14 knots. Germany’s Michael Illbruck on Pinta joined by tactician John Kostecki, delivered an outstanding first day scoreline – a successful 7-1-1 to lead off the Worlds. Their speed was apparent and best demonstrated in the windy conditions, especially downwind.

It was definitely a nervous day for starts resulting in several general recalls. But for second place overall Drew Freides on Pacific Yankee with Morgan Reeser calling tactics, he emerged at the top with a 6-2-5 daily result, four points behind Illbruck. Achille Onorato aboard Mascalzone Latino, Jr. with Cameron Appleton in the tactician’s position, sit in third with Poland’s Krzysztof Krempec (Tomislav Basic, tactician) on Mag Tiny in fourth.

All eyes were continuously on the look out for the Kilroy family – reigning World Champ John Kilroy on Samba Pa Ti and his son, Liam on Wildman – both clear contenders. The elder Kilroy rounded out the top five positions, while the younger Kilroy sits in seventh with a 13-4-22.

Among the nine all-amateur teams, Mirko Bargolini’s Spirit of Nerina sits 34th overall and leads the 2016 Melges 20 World Championship Corinthian division. Cesar Gomes Neto representing Brazil sailing Portobello sits second, followed by new Melges 20 Class member Emanuele Savoini helming Evinrude to complete the top three Corinthian standings.

Fifty-six teams will compete in up to 10 races on August 25-28.

Day One Standings (Top 10 of 56; 3 races)
1. Pinta, Michael Illbruck , GER – 7 -1 -1 ; 9
2. PACIFIC YANKEE, Drew Freides , USA – 6 -2 -5 ; 13
3. MASCALZONE LATINO JR., Achille Onorato , ITA – 4 -6 -9 ; 19
4. MAG TINY, Krzysztof Krempec , POL – 12 -5 -3 ; 20
5. SAMBA PA TI, John Kilroy , USA – 2 -11 -10 ; 23
6. CINGHIALE, Rob Wilber , GBR – 9 -16 -4 ; 29
7. WildMan, Liam Kilroy , USA – 13 -4 -22 ; 39
8. Section 16, Richard Davies , SUI – 16 -12 -11 ; 39
9. ASANTE SANA, Claudio Dutto , ITA – 10 -9 -23 ; 42
10. OUT OF REACH, Guido Miani , MON – 18 -23 -2 ; 43

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Source: Melges 20 Class