Melges 20 European Finale
MELGES 20 EUROPEAN FINALE
Brontolo Racing Wins 2018 World League with 3Di
Brontolo Racing finished second in the final act of the Melges 20 World League European Division to secure the overall 2018 series title. With a new suit of 3Di sails, they brought their A-game to the final event, says North Sails expert Giulio Desiderato.
“As always, there was heavy competition within the Melges 20 European class events,” Giulio added. “Starting off the regatta with double bullets, and then staying ahead of Nika was what they had to do—and they did just that.”
“My main focus before each event is to make sure we have the right inventory and that everything with our boat is 100%,” said North Sails Federico Michetti, team manager and trimmer for Brontolo. “I pay very close attention to details, everything from accommodations, to eating the best food, and making sure we have time after racing to unwind together as a team.”
Asked about the pressures of racing, Federico responded that “We try not to think about it, but to each do the best job we can. Our skipper Filippio Pacinotti provides us with the best equipment in order to be competitive, while working hard to make his own personal improvements too. Manu Weiller our tactician has serious talent and makes our life easier, keeping us out of trouble, which is super important.”
“Our team is working hard to improve by learning from our mistakes,” Federico concluded. “We’ve learned a lot from each other, always working hard to grow as a team. We have all really enjoyed our journey together.”
North Sails 3Di is the new inventory option for the Melges 20 class as of this year. We asked Federico his thoughts on how 3Di has enhanced his sailing experience within the class.
“We love our sails. The designs have come a long way over the past few years. North has lead the way with 3Di for the Melges 20. We follow our tuning guide, we have the best products, and we are built for speed. We have better techniques and a longer lasting inventory, which has proven to be unmatched.”
Federico says the hardest part about racing in this fleet is staying consistent. The talent amongst each team is so steep that each leg must be better and faster than the one before. “With the growth of the class over the last few years, many of us are sailing at the same speed, so making mistakes is not an option.”
The sailors within the class are some of the best sailors in the world. It is never easy racing against some of these teams. Federico comments; “Racing against previous world champions like Drew Freides and his team Pacific Yankee is tough. They are consistent and have impressive speed, and they never give up. It is a huge honor to race against PY and we learn more and more each time we get the opportunity.”
There was a ton of excitement as Brontolo Racing returned back to the dock. Skipper Filippio Pacinotti commented;
“I dedicate this victory to my excellent crew, and to my family that have always endured and encouraged my enormous passion for this sport. Thanks to all the friends who over the years has raced onboard Brontolo – this is their victory too!”
