Melges 20 2014 Audi-Tron Sailing Series at Talamone, Italy - Preview
by International Audi Melges 20 Class Association 30 May 2014 11:13 BST
31 May -1 June 2014
Forty Audi Melges 20s set to embellish 2014 Audi-Tron Sailing Series Talamone starting line
As the highly anticipated World Championship (25-30 August) approaches, the International Audi Melges 20 fleet is growing with speed and competitiveness, culminating this weekend with as many as forty teams on the starting line - commencing the 2014 Audi-Tron Sailing Series Talamone edition, organized by B.Plan Sports&Events in full coordination with Melges Europe.
After two events, leading the series is Porto Ercole winner and former Gold Cup Champion Dario Levi aboard Fremito D'Arja. Pasquale Orofino on Raffica is running in second with Giancarlo Capolino on Legionario in third. Nine points separate the top three and are in attendance in Talamone. View The 2014 Audi-Tron Sailing Series Ranking (after two events).
Other teams to be watchful of include, but certainly not limited to Guido Miani's Monaco Racing Fleet, Marco Franchini's Mezza Luna, Achille Onorato aboard Mascalzone Latino Jr., Marco Gambardella's Chimera, Mirko de Falco's Peccere, Lauro Bonora's Camay and International Class Chairman Manfredi Vianini Tolomei's Maolca.
The International Class is thrilled to welcome fleet newcomers Sodo Migliori aboard Nerone, and Andrea Ferrari's Spirit of Nerina.
Representing the USA, Russian Championship overall winner Wes Whitmyer on Slingshot has been gradually improving his game in preparation for the forthcoming Worlds in Riva del Garda and will continue to do so in Talamone. Denmark's Bo Boje Pederson on Up Up Up and the Czech Republic's Alhoa will also make a stance, aiming for a podium placement at Sunday's awards ceremony.
Racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 31 May and 1 June with six heats scheduled.
Once again, Audi Melges 20 owners and teams enjoy the very best in the world, special thanks to Torqueedo electric outboard motors. Every competing boat will enjoy the 100% environmentally friendly units for the duration of the 2014 Audi-Tron Sailing Series.
As in the past, the start of the Audi Tron Sailing Series means the return of the Audi test drives too. Located at the De Angelis pier, anyone can get behind the wheel of flagship models such as the A3 g-tron, S3 Sportback, A1 Admired, SQ5 or RS6. For further details, please call 345.9585343, or email .
In addition to main sponsor Audi, the Audi Tron is supported by official sponsors Kuehne+Nagel, Torqeedo electric motors and technical partners such as the Ente Fiera di Genova, Nespresso, Olicor, Movidos, Norda and Frantoi Redoro.
Media and Racing Coverage
As with other Audi Melges 20 events in Europe 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.