It's Go Time For 2018 Melges 20 World Championship in Cagliari

The International Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA) has officially reached its peak point of the season. Today on October 10, the first warning signal will fire for the start of the 2018 Melges 20 World Championship hosted by Yacht Club Cagliari.

The field of competitors is set and ready to go anticipating one of the most uncertain World Championship events held in recent years. Pushing spectators and race fans further toward the edge of their seats, a complicated weather forecast is on hand that can only add to the unpredictability of the final outcome.

The lead up to the World Championship in Europe has been incredibly exciting, and for many unprecedented. Of the five events completed, titles have been bestowed upon four noteworthy, championship trophy-deserving teams:

Filippo Pacinotti's BRONTOLO stormed the fleet by winning the Forio D'Ischia circuit opener, then closed the deal in Cagliari to earn the title of 2018 Melges World League, European Champion.
Defending World Champ Drew Freides' PACIFIC YANKEE claimed a big win in Scarlino, and is now on station in Cagliari with his steady American crew of tactician Morgan Reeser and Charlie Smythe.

2012 Melges 20 Gold Cup Champion Dario Levi at the helm of FREMITO D'ARJA took top honors in Lerici.
And last but not least, but most certainly the one to watch is Igor Rytov's RUSSIAN BOGATYRS. He is no stranger to Melges 20 success and together with Konstantin Besputin, he captured Riva del Garda in July, Cagliari in September, then triumphed this past weekend at the Russian Open. For sure Rytov's agenda must include the task of adding the title of World Champion to his already long list of accomplishments.
Standing on the sidelines in attack position is Achille Onorato's MASCALZONE LATINO JR. with Paul Goodison as tactician, and current Melges 20 World League Ranking leader - Vladimir Prosikhin's NIKA with Michele Ivaldi calling tactics.

Thirty-seven teams are in attendance at the World Championship, representing 11 nations (Australia, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Japan, Monaco, Poland, Russia, Sweden and the USA).

Racing starts on Wednesday, October 10 with the warning signal for the first of ten scheduled races at 13.00 local time.
The Melges World League is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, North Sails, Toremar, Lavazza, Rigoni di Asiago and Melges Europe
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.

MELGES 20 WORLD CHAMPIONS

2017 (USA) - Drew Freides, PACIFIC YANKEE
2016 (USA) - Michael Illbruck, PINTA
2015 (USA) - John Kilroy, Jr., SAMBA PA TI
2014 (USA) - John Kilroy, Jr., SAMBA PA TI
2013 (USA) - John Taylor, NINKASI
MELGES 20 GOLD CUP CHAMPIONS
2012 (ITA) - Dario Levi, FREMITO D'ARJA
2011 (ITA) - Alessandro Rombelli, STIG
2010 (ITA) - Farnetti/Muscone, REGGINI SAILING TEAM