Melges 32 Gold Cup Preview

Miami, FL (November 7, 2014) – Fifteen Melges 32 teams representing seven countries are starting today for three days of rock solid performance racing in prelude to Worlds. Newton had his laws of motion, Occam had his razor, and on the eve of the longest standing Melges 32 regatta since 2006, the International fleet has its own proven theory; when this sportboat combines with talented amateur owner drivers and pro sailors, it makes for great one-design racing.

As the northern part of the U.S. gets ready for the first polar vortex of the season, the Melges 32 fleet has applied the final preparatory touches in the sunshine, surf and crystal blues waters of South Beach. Won by few and longed after by many, the Melges 32 Gold Cup is hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club and continues to bring out the best sailors from all corners of the globe. Argo, owned by Jason Carroll has enrolled Gold Cup Veteran and mainsheet trimmer Anthony Kotoun.

“I have had the opportunity to participate in every Gold Cup on record, and it is a huge regatta, second only to the Worlds. Every team is firing on all cylinders, ready to rock…the Gold Cup is when the tires hit the road,” stated Kotoun, perfectly summing up the Gold Cup experience.

With a strong North American fleet presence, teams representing Sweden, Italy, Germany, Bermuda, Switzerland and Japan will once again see a strong fleet with a winner who can put together strong teamwork, the ability to sail fast, clean and smart around the course. Poised to do well are reigning U.S. National Champion Dalton DeVos on Delta, and Richard Gorannson’s Inga From Sweden.

For the first time ever, three class World Champions are present, William Douglass on Goombay Smash (2011), John Kilroy on Samba Pa Ti (2012), and Jason Carroll (2013). Miami Winter Series Champion Alec Cutler on hedgehog, Deneen Demourkas on Groovederci and Ryan DeVos on Volpe clearly could also be easily deemed potential front runners.

Other class standouts include the Italian Edoardo Lupi aboard Torpyone. A frequent international competitor and solid class stalwart, Lupi has arrived in Miami with tactician extraordinaire Lorenzo Bressani. With boat partner/owner Massimo Pessina, Lupi is thrilled to be racing in Miami. He finished fifth at the 2012 Palma de Mallorca Worlds is looking to find top form again. Also sailing with Edoardo is his son Lorenzo, making it a true family event along with several other teams in the fleet.

Leading the charge to set up square, fair race courses is the fearless PRO, Anderson Reggio and his legion of volunteers from the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Always friendly, and seeking the advice of competitors to help ensure the best racing possible, Anderson and his team have been able to provide stellar racing this season, and are ready for the Gold Cup to be settled on the water. The first warning signal is at 11 a.m. Friday, November 7. Racing will continue through and conclude on Sunday, November 9.

Event Website – Results

Report by Event Media