2017 Melges 40 Valencia Grand Prix: Stig takes the lead

The second day of the 2017 Melges 40 Grand Prix in Valencia, Spain hosted by Real Club Nautico de Palma in collaboration with La Marine de Valencia delivered light air conditions and a new overall event leader - Alessandro Rombelli's STIG with tactician Francesco Bruni.

Rombelli's aggression and assertiveness on Day One certainly carried over to Day Two. Despite the tricky light air that never exceeded more than seven knots, he won both Race Four and Five in the scheduled ten-race series. The wire-to-wire wins demonstrate that STIG is currently THE team to beat.

"We are very pleased with our performance thus far, how the boat is responding and with incredible speeds - even in the light air conditions the Melges 40 is great fun," said a smiling Rombelli back at the dock. "Our team is working really well together. Obviously, we are learning step-by-step the many secrets of this design. Although, being ahead of our opponents allows us the opportunity to focus with great concentration on sailing the boat well."

Now seated in second place overall is Valentin Zavadnikov's DYNAMIQ - SYNERGY SAILING TEAM with Ed Baird on tactics. They now trail the new leader by three points, meaning officially have their work cut-out for them if they want to command the fleet. But, nonetheless Zavadnikov was a winner yesterday as he won the special Garmin Marine Race.

Yukihiro Ishida's SIKON remains pumped in third overall, followed by Richard Goransson's INGA. Goransson had a much better day on the water with a second place finish in Race Four.

The grand prix racing excitement continues today, Friday, October 13.

The Melges 40 Grand Prix is proudly supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine and Barracuda Communication.

FULL RESULTS (PRELIMINARY - After Five Races)

1.) Alessandro Rombelli/Francesco Bruni; ITA-4, STIG; 2-1-3-1-1 = 8
2.) Valentin Zavadnikov/Ed Baird; MON-13, DYNAMIQ - SYNERGY SAILING TEAM; 1-2-2-4-2 = 11
3.) Yukihiro Ishida/Chris Rast; JPN-40, SIKON; 3-3-1-3-4 = 14
4.) Richard Goransson/Cameron Appleton; SWE-42, INGA; 4-4-4-2-3 = 17

Melges 40 - VALENCIA - Grand Prix Yachtscoring Event Website