FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL MELGES 32 CLASS ASSOCIATION

26 AUGUST 2017

Kuznetsov Crowned 2017 Melges 32 World Champion
Kuznetsov delivers an unparallelled performance in Cala Galera, after 10 races becomes the first ever Russian World Champion, Graziani wins Corinthian World title

Cala Galera, Italy (Aug. 26, 2017) - For four days straight, Russia's Pavel Kuznetsov and tactician Evgeny Neugodnikov, with TAVATUY crew members Konstantin Besputin, Egor Koniukhovskii, Oleg Krivov, Alexander Patrushev, Anton Sergeev and Valeriy Zatsarinskiy declared that the 2017 Melges 32 Boero World Championship belonged to them. Without debate, their performance was one of strength, consistency and no fear. Today, for what seems like an ever-elusive dream to some, is a reality for Kuznetsov - he and his team are 2017 Melges 32 World Champions.

"After four years of great sailing and so much fun in the Melges 32 Class, we can raise above us the most beautiful and important trophy of our entire career," said Kuznetsov post racing. "The team did a great job, and I am so proud to be bringing this accomplishment, for the first time to Russia, a country that deeply loves to sail. We just want to celebrate this huge success."

"We know we were possibly not the most favored to win, but in fact, we placed a great deal of pressure upon ourselves in the first race, which ultimately put us on the path to winning the Worlds. We knew we had the speed. We were making the right tactical choices, and more and more, we realized the title was within our reach."

Right up until the last, runner-up Edoardo Lupi and Massimo Pessina with tactician Lorenzo Bressani sailing TORPYONE gave every ounce of effort, leaving only two points of separation from the leader going into the final race, prompting a literal cut-throat start to Race Ten.

This is the second time in three years that this brilliant, very exciting Melges 32 team has been the runner-up to accepting the Worlds trophy. But, they do not leave the 2017 season empty handed. As reigning Melges 32 European Champions, they will commence the 2018 circuit with more determination than ever before, all sights set on the next World Championship encounter.

Arriving in third overall is yet another more-than-deserving Italian team - that of Edoardo Pavesio's FRA MARTINA with the extraordinary Manuel Weiller Vidal as tactician. Pavesio's team has been on the upswing all season long, but all the hard work and perseverance has paid off in Cala Galera as he stands with Class giants atop the winner's podium.

Despite a fourth place finish at Worlds, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio's G.SPOT with tactician Branko Brcin rejoices as the first ever and overall champion of the 2017 Melges 32 World League. The circuit consisted of five stages, Worlds hosted by Circolo Nautico e della Vela Argentario was the fifth and final 2017 event.

"As the president of the Melges 32 Class and Vice President of the organizing circle, I am very pleased with the series of races, each one fought for right up to the last minute," said Serena di Lapigio. "I am very grateful to the PRO and entire Race Committee as they successfully managed to complete all ten scheduled races. As a competitor, I suppose I would have preferred to end the event on the podium, but I am still very pleased to have won the 2017 Melges 32 World League."

Christian Schwoerer with tactician Nick Asher aboard LA PERICOLOSA rounded out the top five, his best finish yet the in the Melges 32 Class.

Coming from behind on Friday to take over the lead and stick it on Saturday, Francesco Graziani at the helm of VITAMINA with tactician Andrea Fornaro and team members Valerio Badalassi, Amedeo Barbara, Iacopo Bargoni, Ettore Botticini, Lorenzo Delrio and Alessio Pardini are 2017 Melges 32 Corinthian World Champions.

"This was the goal since the beginning of the season, and quite frankly, it's all thanks to great teamwork, spirit, deep friendships and sacrifice for each other," said Graziani. "The racing has been very tough in this division. The great sportsmanship given by Martin and our fellow countrymen on CAIPIRINHA shows the real charm of the Melges 32 Class. Surely we will see more teams competing next year in the Corinthian division."

The Melges 32 World Championship presented by Boero Yacht Coatings is proudly supported by Helly Hansen, Toremar, North Sails, Garmin Marine Italia, Lavazza and Barracuda Communication.

MEDIA AND RACING COVERAGE
As with all Melges 32 events around the world, racing updates will be posted online at the Official Melges 32 Facebook Page. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews, and photos. Race reports, press releases and photos will be available online each day post-racing at melges32.com.

TOP FIVE RESULTS (FINAL - After Ten Races, One Discard)
1.) Pavel Kuznetsov/Evgeny Neugodnikov, TAVATUY; 1-1-2-5-10-5-7-2-2-[11] = 35
2.) Edoardo Lupi-Massimo Pessina/Lorenzo Bressani, TORPYONE; 7-8-6-2-1-6-2-1-8-[18/UFD] = 41
3.) Edoardo Pavesio/Manuel Weiller Vidal, FRA MARTINA; 3-7-8-1-7-7-[14]-3-13-3 = 52
4.) Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio/Branko Brcin, G.SPOT; 2-3-4-[14]-2-13-9-12-4-6 = 55
5.) Christian Schwoerer/Nic Asher, LA PERICOLOSA; 10-2-[12]-4-9-3-5-7-7-9 = 56
View Full 2017 Melges 32 World Championship Results
Official Yachtscoring Event Website

TOP FIVE MELGES 32 WORLD LEAGUE RESULTS (FINAL - Five Events Completed)
1.) Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, G.SPOT = 89 pts.
2.) Edoardo Lupi/Massimo Pessina, TORPYONE = 87 pts.
3.) Pavel Kuznetsov, TAVATUY; 80 pts.
4.) Matteo Balestrero, GIOGI = 77 pts.
5.) Andrea Lacorte, VITAMINA AMERIKANA = 74 pts.
Full Melges 32 World League Results Photo Gallery - Barracuda Communications Melges 32 on Facebook
Melges 32 on Twitter
Melges 32 on Instagram
Melges 32 on YouTube

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ABOUT THE SPONSORS
The IM32CA would like to extend a very special thanks to the following sponsors who make the 2017 Melges World League European Division racing possible:
Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Lavazza, Toremar, North Sails and Barracuda Communications.

ABOUT THE MELGES 32
The Melges 32 is one design racing at its very best. Since 2005, it has successfully delivered bigger, better, more-simplified sailing that is fun and competitive. An exclusive Reichel/Pugh keelboat design, the Melges 32 possesses one of the most diverse regatta schedules that includes many prestigious venues supported by an organized and well-established class association, attracting some of the world's most notable sailing superstars. For more information, visit the International Melges 32 Class Association (IM32CA) at melges32.com.

ABOUT THE MELGES WORLD LEAGUE
The Melges World League is the ultimate one-design competition, uniting the Melges 32 and Melges 20 owners across the globe into one streamlined championship system. It is a season-long series that includes regattas hosted at the world's most desirable venues, featuring sailing's best owner/drivers and Corinthian sailors throughout North America, Europe and Asia. News, results and other info will be published online as it becomes available at melgesworldleague.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For media photos (web and/or high resolution) or other info regarding the 2017 Melges 32 World League - European Division, please contact: eurofleet@melges32.com

*Pavel Kuznetsov - TAVATUY (RUS-223) - 2017 Melges 32 World Champion*

*Francesco Graziani - VITAMINA (ITA-194) - 2017 Melges 32 Corinthian World Champion*

*Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio - G.SPOT - (MON-181) - 2017 Melges 32 World League Champion*