Favini Wins Bacardi, Britts Named Top Corinthian

Congratulations to Flavio Favini at the helm of Franco Rossini’s Blu Moon as he, along with tactician Matteo Ivaldi and crew Tiziano Nava, Stefano Rizzi and Nicholas Del Ferro are 2012 Melges 24 Bacardi Miami Sailing Week Champions. In second overall is Riccardo Simoneschi’sAudi. Nathan Wilmot at the helm for Conor Clarke on Embarr rounded out the top three.

With a seven point advantage, Favini won the final race of the event on Sunday. "To put it plainly, we just had a great regatta," said Favini post racing. "Day one conditions were beautiful. Fantastic. Yesterday was a tricky day. Today, because of the light air, it was tricky as well, however the conditions made for great sailing too. The race committee did a great job yesterday getting in four races."

In addition to the quite heated overall division, seven teams vied for the spot of top Corinthian in Miami. Newly appointed Southeast District Governor Rob Britts on Hot Mess claimed the top spot. Chicago’s Augie Hernandez aboard High Voltage finished second and Scott Gregory on Betty rounded out the top three finishers.

MELGES ROCKED THE GROVE!
Tons of Melges sailors rocked the night in Coconut Grove at Moe's Restaurant and Bar on Friday evening! Teams partied well into the wee-hours of the morning! The Melges girls were on hand to meet and greet sailors. There are plenty of photos too — posted online at the Official Facebook Page of Melges USA. Melges would like to thank every team that came to Miami to celebrate the greatest one design, sportboat racing in the world!

TOP TEN RESULTS(After eight races — FINAL)
1.) Flavio Favini/Franco Rossini, Blu Moon; 2-1-1-2-[4]-2-2-1 = 11
2.) Riccardo Simoneschi, Audi; 3-5-2-1-1-5-1-[11] = 18
3.) Nathan Wilmot/Conor Clarke, Embarr; 1-2-4-[6]-2-6-4-5 = 24
4.) Kristen Lane, Brickhouse 812; 5-3-3-[14]-3-4-5-10 = 33
5.) Alan Field, WTF; 4-[11]-5-10-7-3-6-2 = 37
6.) Bruce Ayres, Monsoon; 7-7-7-3-8-[14]-8-8 = 48
7.) Argyle Campbell, Rock n' Roll; 6-9-8-8-[12]-8-3-9 = 51
8.) Derek Ratterray/Richard Thompson, Black Seal; 12-4-6-4-10-[15]-9-12 = 57
9.) Don Wilson, Convexity; 9-[12]-9-9-5-9-12-4 = 57 
10.) Rob Britts, Hot Mess; [17]-13-14-5-11-7-11-3 = 64
View Full Results
View Photo Gallery - JOY

FULL CORINTHIAN RESULTS (After eight races — FINAL)
1.) Rob Britts, Hot Mess
2.) Augie Hernandez, High Voltage
3.) Scott Gregory, Betty
4.) Scott Foxman, Relentless
5.) George Haynie, Firewater
6.) Gary Schwarting, Obsession
7.) Steven Boho, Shockwave
View The Full Bacardi Miami Sailing Week Crew List

BRITTS LEADS FLORIDA CUP SERIES
The inaugural Melges 24 Florida Cup Series is now four events of five complete. Britts leads the charge ahead of Catherine Evans’ Mojito in second and Bob Kroetch in third on Rogue. The Series will conclude in Naples, Florida at the 2012 Atlantic Coast Championship on March 24-25.

"We are working very hard to get the class numbers at regattas back to where they were ten years ago," said Britts. "We have some great enthusiasm and some new owners in the class, hence why we started the Florida Cup Series, to try and get a solid five-regatta circuit. We are all looking forward to seeing more teams travel."

"There are several teams that have committed to Naples and we hope to see more," continued Britts. "It would be great to see 40 boats in Charleston. It is our Gold Cup in 2012 and will be Nationals in 2013. We already have 29 registered and more than a month to go before the event. Charleston is a great city with fantastic dining, rich in history. The racing is awesome — consistent breeze and great beach parties are to be expected."

View The Florida Cup Series Standings

THANK YOU!
The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association would like to thank Coconut Grove Sailing Club, especially Ron Rostorfer and his entire race committee team, and Bruce Golison and team. Last, and most certainly not least, special thanks to the full on support of Melges USA and the Melges Team!

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The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the all-time greatest and fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. For more information visit the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) and theInternational Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) on the web. Friend the USMCA on Facebook, or Follow On Twitter.

For more information or press photos, please contact:
Joy Dunigan
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association
Press Officer | Class Communications Director
+1 (912) 398-5776