Luca Dominici Takes Charge Of Audi Melges 20 Fleet In Porto Cervo

19 September 2009 (Porto Cervo, Italy) - After the first day and only one race, Luca Dominici on Mefisto took charge of the fourteen-strong, highly-competitive Audi Melges 20 fleet. In second overall is Fausto Rubbini on Thule and Antonello Morina on Sei Tu in third. This is the final event in the 2009 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
As if the stage was not already perfectly set with the beautiful surroundings of Porto Cervo, the sun was out for the start with a light and fickle 8-10 knots of breeze. Having a particularly nice jump on the fleet was the all-girl team belonging to Luisa Bambozzi on Trouble Makers as well as Federico Albano on TreMenda. Up the middle, then out to the favored right, Dominici commanded an early lead, rounding first with Rubbini and Morina close behind challenging for second and third. Roberto Vallivero on Turnover was fourth and Lanfranco Cirillo on Fantasticaaa in fifth. Current series leader Benedetto Giallongo on Value Team was sixth.
Dark, stormy skies were approaching the course bringing a little more breeze and cooler temperatures as Dominici extended his lead downwind leaving Rubbini and Morina to continue battling for position, Rubbini firmly moving into second place. The majority of the fleet playing the right side for pressure.
With heavy thunder rumbling in the distance and sprinkles of rain, Dominici crossed the finish line at least ten boat lengths ahead for the win, the breeze quickly disappearing. Rubbini took second ahead of Morina in third. Giallongo looked to have fourth place secured, however missed the finish and was forced to turn out to the left. He circled back around crossing the line behind Savino Formentini on Bitipi. Giallongo suddenly found himself struggling to stay in fifth right at the line but managed to hold on against Albano who took sixth.
PRO Peter Reggio was quick to make, what later would be considered a great decision. Storm clouds moved ever closer to the course area, this time from two directions and the fleet was sent to shore. The massive storm featured torrential downpours, lighting and thunder only moments after some reached the docks.
For Sunday, the start time has been moved to 11:00 a.m., one hour earlier from the original time of 12:00. Three races are planned.

Full Results (After 1 Race)
1.) Luca Dominici, Mefisto - 1 = 1
2.) Fausto Rubbini, Thule - 2 = 2
3.) Antonello Morina, Sei Tu - 3 = 3
4.) Savino Formentini, Bitipi - 4 = 4
5.) Benedetto Giallongo, Value Team - 5 = 5
6.) Federico Albano, TreMenda - 6 = 6
7.) Roberto Vallivero, Turnover - 7 = 7
8.) Carlo Alberini, Calvi Network - 8 = 8
9.) Lanfranco Cirillo, Fantasticaaa - 9 = 9
10.) Alessandro Rombelli, Aria Fritta - 10 = 10
11.) Alessandro Molla, Bela Vita - 11 = 11
12.) Luisa Bambozzi, Trouble Makers - 12 = 12
13.) Marco Morina, Sei Tu 20 - 13 = 13
14.) Alessandro Franzi, ITA-146 - 14 = 14
Current Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series Overall Results (After 4 Events)
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For more information about the International Audi Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA), please contact Joy Dunigan on e-mail, or via phone at +1 (912) 398 5776.


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