Turn of fortunes at Melges 24 Worlds

Published on August 1st, 2017

Helsinki, Finland (August 1, 2017) – Drastically different weather conditions from those experienced yesterday took the fleet to the race course on the second day at the Melges 24 World Championship.

A steady breeze up to 15 knots, together with choppy sea and short waves, allowed the conclusion of three races that bring to five the total of the series up to today. There is no doubt those are the favorite conditions for the Italian crew of Maidollis which posted three bullets to take the overall lead.

“It’s not just that we love these conditions,” said Enrico Fonda, calling tactics aboard Maidollis where Carlo Fracassoli is helming. “It was also the fact that today the races were not left race to randomness. The wind was steady, you could pursue your strategy. Even if the conditions were demanding, it has been a perfect day.”

Day one leader Bruce Ayres’ Monsoon (USA) posted a 2-22-6 to slip to second position, followed by reigning Corinthian World Champion crew of Taki 4 with Niccolò Bertola in helm (6-2-8/1-1-3 Corinthian) which also takes over the lead of the Corinthian division previously held by Barmaley.

“We are extremely satisfied with the development of today,” said Giacomo Fossati, tactician of Taki 4. “We’ve been working a lot since the 2016 Worlds in Miami and for sure we are here to defend the title, but this time we are also focused on the overall ranking. Being on a top-three position is very exciting for us; we will have to fight hard to maintain the positioning and reach our objectives”.

The top three of the Corinthian podium is completed by Estonian entry Lenny EST790 (13-11-12/3-5-5) that, despite a damage to the gennaker, still managed to conclude the racing of the day in enviable positions, and by MAS Wolfpack NOR724 (16-8-4/4-2-2) helmed by Jon Aksel Mortensen.

Three more races are scheduled for tomorrow. Racing for the 20th edition is scheduled on July 31 to August 4.