Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cirillo's 'Fantastica' Officially The Boat To Beat In Lerici


Photo Gallery - Guido Trombetta
Lerici, 27 March 2010 - Lanfranco Cirillo’s Fantastica is officially the boat to beat after two days of racing at the 2010 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Event, No. 1 in Lerici, Italy.

Cirillo’s crew, comprised of tactician Michele Paoletti made not one wrong call and above all, confirmed they are like an unstoppable train. Of the three races performed on Saturday, Cirillo won the first two and finished sixth (his worst yet) in the third heat only due to suffering a penalty for not allowing enough room for Luca Lalli’s B Lin Sailing.com at the first windward mark.

Dominating races one and two, Cirillo remained in front of the fleet, increasing his lead, on each beat and run. It appeared that no other team could match their speed. The real battle though was for the second thru fifth positions as it was a constant shift in placement. Defending Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series Champion Carlo Alberini on Calvi Network with Gabriele Benussi on tactics worked his way up for second overall. Lalli, with Melges 24 World Champion Lorenzo Bressani as tactician has had a smashing debut at the Series placed third overall, tied in points with Alberini.

Thumbs up for Mauro Mocchegiani on Rush Diletta, assisted by the phenomenal Italian sensation Matteo Ivaldi, he remains on point away from the second place finishers in fourth overall. The fantastic Peter Rogers on Highlife from the UK, has worked hard over the last two days to hold steady in fifth.

And, thrilled we are certain, congratulations to Edoardo Pavesio on his Maserati Melges 32. He came came from behind to win his very first race on the Audi Sailing Series circuit. Obviously they’ve made great leaps forward in terms of progress after a long winter break.

Top Five Results
1.) Lanfranco Cirillo/Michele Paoletti, Fantastica; 1-1-5-1-1-(6) = 9
2.) Carlo Alberini/Gabriele Benussi, Calvi Network; 4-2-1-7-4-(11) = 18
3.) Luca Lalli/Lorenzo Bressani, B Lin Sailing.com; 2-3-3-(12)-5-4 = 18
4.) Mauro Mocchegiani/Matteo Ivaldi, Rush Diletta; 3-4-9-3-(7)-2 = 19
5.) Peter Rogers/Ruaridh Scott, Highlife; 8-8-4.2-(17.2)-3 = 25

Full ResultsFull Crew List Photo Gallery - Stefano GattiniPhoto Gallery - Guido TrombettaPhoto Gallery - Emanuele Pennisi