Audi Melges 20 European Championship 2013 at Porto Rotondo - Overall
by International Audi Melges 20 Class Association 2 Sep 2013 06:06 UTC
29 August - 1 September 2013
Rombelli rallies to capture Audi Sailing Series title, Capolino named European Champion, Kiss prevails on final day to win Porto Rotondo event
Congratulations are in full order for overall 2013 Audi Sailing Series Champion Alessandro Rombelli aboard STIG, and Porto Rotondo Champion Michael Kiss on Bacio. As only a European team can wear the title of European Champion, Giancarlo Capolino aboard Legionario claims the title alongside of tactician Francesco Ivaldi and crew Diego Battisti. Three amazing Champions in a fleet of all-around winners!
For the fifth and final event of the 2013 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series, a dramatic last day awarded Kiss and his crew of tactician Chris Rast and Willie McBride as Event No. 5 - Porto Rotondo Champions! A total of eight races were completed over the four-day racing event with Kiss edging the fleet by seven points to win.
In second overall, overnight leader Capolino slipped to finish second. Another American, former International Class Chairman Marc Hollerbach on Fu came back from yesterday's tenth position to take the third seat on the podium. Russ Lucas on Shimmer finished fourth and Marco Franchini's Mezza Luna rounded out the top five.
The 2013 Audi Sailing Series has been one of the most successful hosting thirty-five teams representing eight countries. Rombelli is no stranger to success in the Audi Melges 20. He is a former Gold Cup Champion, and his 2013 Audi Sailing Series Championship title alongside tactician Paul Goodison and Giorgio Tortarolo is a first. Kiss too has found victory in the Class on multiple occasions. Not only is he a three-time, back-to-back Audi Melges 20 U.S. National Champion, he is also a former Miami Winter Series Champion.
Capolino placed second overall in the Series, followed by early-on leader Guido Miani on Monaco Racing Fleet. Achille Onorato on Mascalzone Latino, Jr. and Renato Vallivero on Audi Ultra Fratelli Giacomel stand tall finishing the season proudly in fourth and fifth.
The final event of the 2013 Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series, Porto Rotondo was organized by B-Plan Sport&Events in full collaboration with the International Audi Melges 20 Class Association and Melges Europe.
Next up - Toronto, Miami & Worlds
The conclusion of last week's Nationals and this weekend's European Championship has set an incredible Fall/Winter Audi Melges 20 racing season in fast-forward motion.
The North American schedule shifts into high gear with the 2013 North American Championship in Toronto, Canada on September 13-15, and a wonderful warm-up to Worlds event is scheduled for Miami, kicking off the 2013-14 Miami Winter Series on November 1-3.
Thirty-six teams have signed up already to race at the World Championship on December 11-14 at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo Florida. The Notice of Race is now available and Online Registration is open as an unprecedented attendance level is expected.
Overall Results: (top ten, 8 races, 1 discard)
1.) Michael Kiss, Bacio; 1-[7]-1-4-7-5-3-1 = 22pts
2.) Giancarlo Capolino, Legionario; 3-5-2-1-8-9-1-[12] = 29pts
3.) Marc Hollerbach, Fu; 10-3-9-5-[23]-3-8-5 = 43pts
4.) Russ Lucas, Shimmer; 13-6-4-2-10-[17]-2-7 = 44pts
5.) Marco Franchini, Mezza Luna; 4-4-13-10-3-4-[21]-9 = 47pts
6.) Guido Miani, Monaco Racing Fleet; [16]-2-10-14-2-11-5-4 = 48pts
7.) Jan Kuchar, Aloha; [20]-1-8- 3-11-12-12-2 = 49pts
8.) Alessandro Rombelli, STIG; 8-12-5-[17]-4-2-4-14 = 49pts
9.) Claudio Dutto, Asante Sana; 5-11-7-9-12-8-7-[15] = 59pts
10.) Renato Vallivero, Audi Ultra Fratelli Giacomel; 7-8-6-8-[21]-10-18-3 = 60pts
2013 Audi Sailing Series Results: (top ten, 5 events, 29 races, 4 discards)
1.) Alessandro Rombelli, STIG, 138pts
2.) Giancarlo Capolino, Legionario, 158pts
3.) Guido Miani, Monaco Racing Fleet, 164pts
4.) Achille Onorato, Mascalzone Latino, Jr., 173pts
5.) Renato Vallivero, Audi Ultra Fratelli Giacomel, 194pts
6.) Mirko de Falco, Peccere, 207pts
7.) Russ Lucas, Shimmer, 231pts
8.) Dario Levi, Fremito D'Arja, 243pts
9.) Claudio Dutto, Asanta Sana, 254pts
10.) Marco Franchini, Mezza Luna, 289pts
The Audi Quattro Experience test drives are back
The Sailing Series continues its test drive tradition in 2013. At every event, the Audi Quattro Instructors will be available to guide all those interested in experiencing some of the most recent Audi models. For more information and test drive bookings, please call 345.3472530 or send an email to the Audi Quattro Experience.
Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series Partners
In addition to title sponsor Audi, the 2013 Sailing Series is supported by official sponsor AstiHour, a very refreshing fruit cocktail that will be served during happy hours at the Audi Hospitality Village. Other sponsors include Kuehne+Nagel, Yeykey, Helly Hansen, and
SimBroker e Nacora.
Follow the Audi Sailing Series
B-Plan Sport&Events is committed to greater visibility and appeal of the 2013 Audi Sailing Series. The event has 3 newly renovated websites: www.audisailingseries.com, www.audisailingteam.it, www.bpse.it - and a new Facebook page www.facebook.com/AudiSailingSeries. Updates are also being posted as the racing happens at the Official Facebook Page of the International Audi Melges 20 Class Association too!