News

March 8, 2017 - IM24CA -  Although the 2017 is well underway, the Melges 24 worldwide final ranking results of 2016 have been published now and International Melges 24 Class Association IM24CA interviewed the winners of the rankings.

WORLD RANKING

Points in the World Ranking were awarded to the owner/helm and the best of three events were counted, as combined from the continental ranking events - six in Europe, four in North America and four in Australia. Bonus points were awarded for the title events - World and European Championships. 207 teams from 27 countries took part.
 

Andrea Pozzi's Bombarda ITA841 won the 2016 Melges 24 World Ranking with a three point margin ahead of 2015 World Champion and three-time US Olympian Chris Rast's EFG SUI684 on the second place. Melges 24 2016 World Champion Conor Clarke's Embarr IRL829 with 470 US Olympian Stuart McNay helming claimed third placement. Marco Zammarchi's young team, but already 2016 Corinthian World Champion Taki 4 ITA778 with Niccolò Bertola helming took remarkable fourth, 2016 Worlds' second Gian Luca Perego's Maidollis ITA822 having on board three former Melges 24 World Champions in 2012 Fracassoli-Fonda-Ferrari as fifth and Melges 24 stalwart 2015 Worlds' second  Andrea Racchelli (Altea ITA735) finished sixth, 2016 Worlds' fourth Bruce Ayres and his Monsoon USA851 took seventh, 2016 Worlds' and European second Tõnu Tõniste's Lenny EST790 placed at eighth, John Brown (Blind Squirrel USA537) took ninth and Travis Weisleder (Lucky Dog Gill Race Team USA848) rounded out the top ten.

IM24CA: Andrea, you won the 2016 Melges 24 World Ranking with a three point margin ahead of 2015 World Champion Chris Rast. Three results and points counted for this excellent result for Bombarda were the victory at the Kiel Week, second place at the Europeans and tenth position at the Worlds. How do you feel to be listed at the Melges 24 World Ranking Hall of Fame now among such legends like Flavio Favini, Riccardo Simoneschi, Lorenzo Bressani, Jamie Lea and others? What would you like to say about your dedicated team?
Andrea Pozzi: This achievement is the result of a season spangled with great victories and important placements which represent the direct consequence of a year-long commitment, great teamwork and sacrifices of the whole team. Firstly I would like to thank all the components of the team formed by Giulio Desiderato, Stefano Ciampalini, Nicholas Dal Ferro and Carlo Zermini, the coach Nicola Celon and all the shore team comprised of Federico Valenti, Paolo Figini and Giuseppe Alfieri, thanks to whom it has been possible to achieve this historical outcome. Thanks to everyone that in 2016 has followed and supported us during all our regattas. Also a special mention goes to the Melges 24 class that in every regatta has always shown outstanding organization and availability towards everyone allowing us to spend wonderful days laced with sport, active competitiveness but also great fun and both personal and professional growth. Thanks everyone and Forza Bombarda!

For further information visit Bombarda Racing website.