70 Melges 24s On Lake Garda
Lake Garda, two weeks after the Moth Worlds, will once again be hosting a spectacular regatta when over 70 Melges 24s race from Circolo Vela Torbole. The regatta – Torbole Melges Week is part of the Italian Volvo Cup circuit and has attracted 31 foreign teams and a veritable who’s who of Italian keelboat sailing.
The 31 foreign boats are coming from Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Belgium, Czeck Republic and Sweden. Stuart Simpson’s Team Barbarians will be flying the flag for Britain as are Simon Dobson’s Comfortably Numb and Miles Quinton’s Natural Mojo. Quinton had bad luck in Volvo event in Bari in June where they had to abandon the competition because a crew injury.
Blue Moon, with a Swiss flag but Italian crew, will again be helmed by Flavio Favoni, just back from the America’s Cup, where he helmed Mascalzone Latino. Other big names in the Italian line up include Dodo Gorla, Luca Valerio and Andrea Rachelli.
Looking at the form book Billo Baccani Challenge with the skipper Furio Monaco, has already won the Italian championship. Alfa Spider owned by Pavesio brothers, will be helmed by Lorenzo Bressani and Brontolo of Filippo Pacinotti will be helmed by Matteo Ivaldi. Alina, owned by Maurizio Abbà, helmed by Luca Valerio, is also expected to be in the leading pack – they have a reputation for great speed when there is the strong wind of the upper Garda Lake. And there will be also Altea e Airis G&BL of Cesare Bressan helmed by Sandro Montefusco and Roberto Benamati as tactician.
The Torbole Club has organized the traditional pasta to be offered after the day races. Drive Beer (a low alcoholic beer), one of the Volvo Circuit’s sponsors will also be on hand and if that is not enough there is Coffee Corner by Lavazza Blue.
Schedule:
Wednesday 18 July – in the morning, skipper meeting at Casa Volvo. At 1 pm fisrt race start, other races (max 3 per day) just after arrive. From 6 pm, some food and beverage
Thursday 19 July – At about 1 pm, race start. Other races as soon as possible
Friday 20 July – At about 12, race start. At the end presentation of Volvo cars and small party.
Saturday 21 July – At about 1 pm first race of the day, other starts as soon as possible. From 8.30 pm buffet dinner and prize giving at about 10 pm.
Sunday 22 July – At 8 am start of the Melges 24 Velocitek Long Distance (Torbole/Malcesine/Torbole). After race, prize giving for the Long Distance and Speed Contest final party.