Favini Takes Control Of Melges 24 Fleet At Bacardi

The first day of racing at Bacardi Miami Sailing Week (BMSW) for the 20+ strong Melges 24 fleet was nothing short of spectacular. Bruce Golison, along with his superior race management team and Coconut Grove Sailing Club's impeccable racing staff, Melges 24 teams enjoyed three races filled with thrilling downwind rides that exceeded every on-the-water expectation.

Former America's Cup helmsman Flavio Favini at the helm of Franco Rossini's Blu Moon handed down a razor sharp 2-1-1 performance to lead the fleet over Ireland's Conor Clarke with Nathan Wilmot driving Embarr. Rounding out the top three was Riccardo Simoneschi's Audi.

The Melges 24s kept spectators on their feet as they ripped up and down the course, making for great displays of speed and fun. Today's partly sunny, shifty and very breezy conditions provided the perfect playground for the class' biggest and most ferocious sportboat speed demons. The top five players, which also included Kristen Lane's Brickhouse 812 and Alan Field's WTF really put on a show.

MELGES ROCKS THE GROVE ON FRIDAY
Don't forget to attend Melges USA's official Bacardi bash on Friday night, at Mr. Moe’s Restaurant and Bar, from 08.00 p.m. until 10.30 p.m. Melges is sponsoring another edition of its famous Melges Rocks Party.

ROUND TWO
More breeze and an additional three races are scheduled for Friday. The points spread is very tight with Favini ahead by a very slim margin — interpretation — this game is still very much up for grabs.

TOP TEN RESULTS (After three races)
1.) Flavio Favini/Franco Rossini, Blu Moon; 2-1-1 =4
2.) Nathan Wilmot/Conor Clarke, Embarr; 1-2-4 = 7
3.) Riccardo Simoneschi, Audi; 3-5-2 = 10
4.) Kristen Lane, Brickhouse 812; 5-3-3 = 11
5.) Alan Field, WTF; 4-11-3 = 20
6.) Bruce Ayres, Monsoon; 7-7-7 = 21
7.) Derek Ratterray/Richard Thompson, Black Seal; 12-4-6 = 22
8.) Argyle Campbell, Rock n' Roll; 6-9-8 = 23
9.) Guy Mossman, Battle Rhythm; 8-8-11 = 27
10.) Don Wilson, Convexity; 9-12-9 = 30
View Full Results
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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