MELGES 32 GIOGI WINS 2018 WORLD LEAGUE
MELGES 32 GIOGI WINS 2018 WORLD LEAGUE
Winning the Final Event in Cagliari Seals Their 2018 Victory
The fourth and final event in the Melges 32 World League concluded in Cagliari, Italy with a podium sweep for teams using North Sails 3Di. Matteo Balestrero’s Giogi claimed the top spot for the event, which also sealed their overall victory for the 2018 season. Luigi Giannattasio’s Donino and Edoardo Lupi / Massimo Pessina’s Torpyone finished second and third. The first place Corinthian team was led by Martin Reintjes on Caipirinha; they also secured the 2018 Corinthian title.
The Melges World League is in its second year; hosting both the Melges 32 and Melges 20 in a season-long series of four regattas. “It has been successful because of the commitment from our owners, sailors, and partners like North Sails,” says Federico Michetti, head of Melges Europe.
Michetti was the visionary behind the Melges World League. He was also closely involved in the product development for North’s winning Melges 32 sails.
“Three of the top four boats in Cagliari used North Sails,” Michetti explains, “a reflection of how great the 3Di sails are. As trimmer on Giogi, I’m on the front line of providing feedback to the North design team. I love our sails and am proud to have played a part in the development of the One Design inventory.”
Michetti’s teammate on Giogi, Giulio Desiderato, sent North Sails regular updates throughout the season. We managed to catch up with Giulio to ask about their final victory.
Why was 2018 such a great season for Giogi?
Using an all-round inventory was the key to consistent performance. Out of four regattas that make up the World Series, Giogi won the last two!
“On Giogi, we improved day by day. It is Matteo Ballestrero’s third season helming the Melges 32, but three of us were new to the boat this year. The last two events we sailed as a strong team, always working together, because we were very determined to achieve our goal of winning the circuit.”
Has there been any development in the class this year?
We are using the same sail designs as everyone else; true one design. In past years the North Sails designers and engineers have worked hard to optimize the materials and layout of our 3Di designs. After the Worlds, we will collect feedback from the fleet to determine the improvements for the future designs.
Why is 3Di the best choice for the Melges 32?
As main trimmer, I am really confident matching the sails to the rig tune and adapting it for different conditions because there is a good mix between the design and the stability of the cloth.
What’s your top tip for sailing the Melges 32 fast?
Both upwind and downwind, choose the correct heel angle and keep it stable.
