Melges 24 Worlds - Day 1

August 28, 2006 10:11 0 comments

Day one of the Melges 24 World Championship in Hyeres on the French Riviera brought stunning conditions for the 119 competitors from 14 nations as they completed the first two round robin races of the championship. There was plenty of close action a

Day one of the Melges 24 World Championship in Hyeres on the French Riviera brought stunning conditions for the 119 competitors from 14 nations as they completed the first two round robin races of the championship. There was plenty of close action and more than a few thrills and spills with broaches galore and two broken masts by the end of
the day.

In the overall standings top Italian match racer and America’s Cup sailor Paolo Cian, helming Sherekhan for Maurizio Cardascio, has just a one point lead. Fellow Italian and double Mumm 30 World Champion Luca Valerio, helming Alina Helly Hansen for Maurizio Abba, is tied on points for second place with Reigning North American Champion Brian Porter of Chicago, whose Full Throttle crew includes 2002 Melges 24 World Champion Harry Melges.

There are currently five boats counting a score of 10 points which can only be separated on count back. As a result John Pollard’s Excellent (GBR) lies sixth, Francois Brenac sailing DRP Partner & Partners for Philippe Ligot (FRA) and Sandro Montefuseo helming GEBL (ITA) are tied in seventh with Eamonn O’Nolan’s Wild Thing (GBR) ninth and Antoine Frickey helming Benjamin Cohen’s Sogeti Hyeres (FRA) in tenth.

Two further races are scheduled for tomorrow with racing due to start at 1100.