Dario Levi's 'Fremito D'Arja' crowned Melges 20 World Ranking Champion

Dario Levi's 'Fremito D'Arja' crowned 2015 Melges 20 World Ranking Champion © Melges 20 class

Sixteen events are complete across Europe, Japan and North America with 141 teams representing seventeen nations

The first act of the 2016 Miami Winter Series (MWS), and the third stage of the Jefferson Capital Monaco Winter Series (three of five events complete) ended just one short week ago, and at their conclusion none other than long-time Melges 20 owner and top competitor Dario Levi on Fremito D'Arja has won the prestigious crown and title of World Ranking Champion. View Full 2015 World Ranking Results.

The 2015 Ranking Circuit included sixteen events that spanned European, Asian and North American continents, resulting in THE most successful season in the Melges 20 Class ever. Over 141 teams raced proudly representing seventeen countries.

In addition to Levi winning the overall World Ranking title, he simultaneously captured the European Ranking crown as well. Completing the European podium are two other very well-deserving opponents from Monaco - Corrado Agusta's Customly (second) and Guido Miani's Out of Reach (third). View Full 2015 European Ranking Results.

Levi's very Italian team which included Niccolo Bianchi (tactician), Stefano Lagi and Francesca Masotto (Europeans), won four-out-of-five events including the European Championship, ultimately naming them 2015 Audi Sailing Series Champions. Upon this great success, Levi traveled to San Francisco and also raced at the World Championship. This team put together a very impressive season establishing a track record that will not be easy to beat - World and European Ranking, European Champions and Audi Sailing Series Champions - all in the same year!

On the North American side, John Kilroy aboard Samba Pa Ti won his second consecutive World Championship title, capturing also the 2015 North American Ranking title.

Growing taller everyday, the aspiring Liam Kilroy on Wildman has also earned a wonderful result for 2015. Liam finished third at Worlds, and by winning the Pacific Coast Championship and the first stage of the 2016 MWS, he places second overall in the North American Ranking. The blazing fast Brazillian-born Cesar Gomes Netto on Portobello finished third overall. View Full 2015 North American Ranking.

"On behalf of the Melges 20 Class, I would like to congratulate Dario and his crew for an incredible season," said Rob Wilber, International Class President. "A huge thanks goes out to all Melges 20 owners and sailors worldwide who continue to race the best one design boat on the planet, proving that this is truly a very special, great big family!"

"We have a great season of racing scheduled in 2016 and 2017. The Worlds in 2016 will be sensational as we all travel to beautiful Tuscany. I very much look forward to seeing everyone out on the water!"

"Congratulations to Dario and his team on a very successful season of Melges 20 racing," said Melges USA President, Andy Burdick. "Dario has always been deeply committed to the Melges 20 Class and this boat from the very early stages. And, a big congratulations is also extended to every Melges 20 team worldwide as their continued support for Melges boats is proof that they have the never-ending desire to sail fast!"

The off-season does not last long. The Miami Winter Series resumes on February 5-7, 2016 in south Florida, and the next stage of the Jefferson Capital Monaco Winter Series happens on February 12-14 at the Primo Cup. View Full 2016 and 2017 Events Schedule.

Additional events will take place throughout the world - Canada, Japan, USA, Monaco, Germany and Italy. 2016 is shaping up to be the best in Melges 20 history.