Go time in Garda at the 2014 Audi Melges 20 Worlds

The fleet at Lake Garda for the 2014 Audi Melges 20 Worlds © JOY / International Audi Melges 20 Class Association

Fifty-seven teams representing 10 nations face-off in Riva Del Garda

Registration, measurement and practice day are officially complete at the 2014 Audi Melges 20 World Championship, hosted by Fraglia Della Vela Riva. An unprecedented 57 entries will take to the starting line today for the first of four competitive days of premium performance racing.

The weather pattern in Garda over the last few days has been a bit on the light and rainy side. Even today, teams waited for several hours before leaving the docks to practice due to no breeze. They tinkered with the boats, walked the docks, had lunch at some of Riva's beautiful outdoor cafe's, while others relaxed in the Audi hospitality area and caught-up up on sleep due to jetlag. The breeze came up around 3 p.m. and teams rushed off the docks to practice. Unfortunately, no practice race was held as a storm developed with incredible wind forcing everyone back to shore.

The entry list is star-studded, not to mention loaded from top to bottom with some of the very best amatuer drivers in the world.

"It is impossible to predict what will happen on Lake Garda over the next few days and with 57 teams on the line it will surely will be a spectacular event," said International Audi Melges 20 Class Chairman, Manfredi Vianini Tolomei. "So much work has gone into making the next four days unforgettable. From the Melges organization, to the International Class Association as well as the regional fleets, everyone has worked very hard to make it the greatest regatta ever. We are happy to have so many entries and among them, two lady helms as well as three youth sailors - one of them also a helm."

"The Audi Melges 20 is fitting for sailors of every age, gender and level of experience. I am very proud to chair this class and think that on Lake Garda, our owners will race hard with great sportsmanship, honesty and through many friendships," concluded Vianini Tolomei.

Racing commences at 12:30 p.m. with a maximum of three races scheduled.

Media and Racing Coverage

As with other Audi Melges 20 events around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Audi 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. Race reports, press releases and photos will be available online each day post racing at melges20.com.

Visit the Official Yachtscoring Event Website.