Audi Melges 20s take over the low country
by International Audi Melges 20 Class Association 11 Apr 2014 07:19 BST
11-13 April 2014
Sperry-Top Sider Charleston Race Week day 2 © JOY / International Audi Melges 20 Class Association
After yet another successful winter series in Biscayne Bay, the Audi Melges 20 fleet has migrated north to participate in the largest one design regattas in the United States, Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week (CRW). As a staple fleet in this event for the past 5 years, Audi Melges 20 owners flock to this event to be able to race in the always changing Charleston Harbor, while enjoying off the water festivities in arguably the best food and party town in the country.
Along with having the draw of being in a historic, charming city, Charleston has been able to grow as the largest event through great race management that Audi Melges 20 owners have come to expect, along with a regatta village that has plenty of rum drinks, live music and banter to keep everyone in a good state of mind. Three races are scheduled each day through Sunday, and with an excellent Race Committee on watch, it will be up to the sailors to figure out any advantages the course provides.
Racing in Charleston Harbor is anything but straightforward, and with breeze that is affected by land on all sides of the race course, and strong current that flows in and out of the harbor mouth, along with the Ashley and Cooper rivers, there is plenty of moving waters to keep sailors guessing. Anthony Kotoun, tactician on Rob Wilbur's Cinghiale summarized sailing in Charleston, "Racing in Charleston Harbor is where jungle ball meets an obstacle course. With strong current and shifty breeze, there is plenty of opportunity for big gains and losses which keeps the racing exciting and fun."
Many of the Audi Melges 20 class veterans are in attendance, along with a few new faces as well. Current World Champion John Taylor and his Ninkasi team are ready to have another good performance off their impressive Bacardi win, while Russ Lucas on Shimmer will get the opportunity to race against his daughter Grace and the Bombardo team. In a fleet deep with talent and experience and a great forecast on tap, Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is ready to get underway.
Racing commences today, 11 April, the first of three days. Three races are scheduled.
Media and Racing Coverage
As with other Audi Melges 20 events in North America and around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Audi Melges 20 Facebook Page. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews, and photos. Race reports, press releases and photos will be available online each day post racing at melges20.com.