The European Division of the 2018 Melges 20 World League Gets Underway

Forio d'Ischia, Italy (April 19, 2018) - The 2018 Melges 20 World League, European Division officially launches the season in Forio d'Ischia marking the second of two consecutive racing weekends. Competition begins for thirty Melges 20s on Friday, April 20 and concludes on Sunday.

This weekend is a pivotal point on the international Melges World League circuit (with a few events already completed). A quick glance down the entry list and all the names that mean anything, are featured in the panorama of sailing Melges one-design.

On the starting line is 2017 Melges 20 World League Overall Series and European Champion, Igor Rytov at the helm of RUSSIAN BOGATYRS. Another Russian team with heavy presence is Vladimir Prosikin's NIKA with Michele Ivaldi as tactician.

Rob Wilber's CINGHIALE will be representing the United States as he arrives for his first European appointment of the 2018 season.

Achille Onorato's MASCALZONE LATINO, JR., flanked by Australian Olympic Gold Medallist Malcolm Page is already the runner-up to the World League Ranking and looks forward to duplicating their winning performance last weekend in the Melges 32.

Among the thirty teams (representing Russia, USA, Monaco, Poland and Italy) there are solid groups of crews that include veterans and new arrivals, such as Manfredi Vianini Tolomei's MAOLCA, BRONTOLO will be there with Filippo Pacinotti at the helm, Pietro Loro Piana's GONE SQUATCHING, Marco Franchini's MEZZALUNA, Andrea Ferrari's SPIRIT OF NERENA and Pasquale Orofino's RAFFICA .

The first start is at 13.30 tomorrow with eight races scheduled.

The Melges World League is supported by Helly Hansen, Toremar, North Sails, Garmin Marine and Lavazza. We are also thankful for the support of our local partners Alilauro, Medmar, Nastro Azzurro, Costanzo, Cenatiempo.

Melges World League has signed and adopts the code of ethics of the Charta Smerarlda strongly promoting the values of One Ocean Foundation.

MEDIA AND RACING COVERAGE

As with other Melges 20 events around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Melges 20 Facebook Page. Be sure to also follow the fleet on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews and photos at melges20.com.

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