John Taylor wins 2013 Melges 20 World Championship

Key Largo, FL (December 14, 2013) – John Taylor (USA) and his Ninkasi team of Bill Hardesty and Joey Mello won the 2013 Melges 20 World Championship. The inaugural event, which attracted 52 teams for the four day, ten race championship, was Taylor’s first win of any type. “I guess if I’m going to win one, this was the one to win.” said Taylor.

After taking a nine point lead into the final two races on Saturday, Taylor solidified his hold on the trophy by winning the opening race. Going into the final race, Taylor’s 10 point lead would be more than enough, particularly when his closest threat Travis Weisleder (USA) gained a Z flag penalty. Weisleder, who after day two held a 30 point lead, slid down to third overall.

Taking second overall was the Top Corinthian team of Marcus Eagan (USA) with dad Marc Eagan and brother Andrew Eagan. Of the 52 teams, only 6 were entered as 100% amateur. John Kilroy aboard Samba Pa Ti was the top Master (8th overall) and best boat with female crew was collected by Leo van denThillart’s Team True Racing (22nd overall).

Results – 52 Boats (10 races, 1 discard)
1. Ninkasi, John Taylor, USA, 1-11-31-4-14-1-5-1-1-10-[31]; 48
2. Cajun Underwriting, Marcus Eagan, USA, 6-27-13-2-7-5-11-3-4-5-[27]; 56
3. Lucky Dog/Gill Race Team, Travis Weisleder, USA, 2-9-4-5-1-12-13-20-2-38/ZFP-[38]; 68
4. STIG, Alessandro Rombelli, ITA, 29-4-6-3-20-3-6-6-25-3-[29]; 76
5. Midnight Blue, Jason Michas, USA, 4-1-20-13-13-11-4-8-17-8-[20]; 79
6. Section 16, Richard Davies, USA, 20-15-2-17-8-9-1-5-7-53/DNF-[53]; 84
7. STAR, Jeff Ecklund, USA, 17-7-27-7-3-26-3-4-5-12-[27]; 84
8. Samba Pa Ti, John Kilroy, USA, 9-2-32-1-27-13-10-12-6-14-[32]; 94
9. Barking Mad, James Richardson, USA, 15-5-19-9-5-22-7-27-3-9-[27]; 94
10. Bacio, Michael Kiss, USA, 11-14-17-12-35-10-8-10-11-6-[35]; 99

Complete Results – Event website – Photos