Bliksem wins Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series

10:29 AM Mon 8 Jun 2009 GMT

'Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series - Scarlino 2009
Fantastica' BPlan/Carlo Borlenghi

USA's Bliksem has won the spectacular Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series in Scarlino, Maremma, Tuscany Italy

Two great races with a breeze from the south wrapped up the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series at the Marina di Scarlino in Maremma, Tuscany. US entry, Bliksem, skippered by owner Pieter Taselaar, had Olympic gold medallist in Class 470 Australian, Nathan Wilmot, calling tactics to win the eight leg race.

Calvi Network skippered by Carlo Alberini, with two first places, finished the event in third position and continues to lead the circuit. Second overall at La Marina di Scarlino was Team 93, skippered by Claudio Recchi, with Flavio Favini calling tactics. Many expressed praise for the overall organization of the event and the Race Committee's work.

The crystal blue waters of Maremma in Tuscany were the perfect backdrop for the final day of racing of Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series. The circuit's third leg in Scarlino wrapped up today with two races under sunny skies and a south-westerly 12 knot breeze. A challenging day for the Race Committee presided by Carlo Tosi who waited for the breeze to settle in direction before giving the first start of the day around 12.30 p.m.

Winner of leg 3 of the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, American Bliksem owned by Pieter Taselaar, just arrived in the Mediterranean to prepare for the World Championship to be held in Porto Cervo next September. On board calling tactics Australian Nathan Wilmot, Olympic gold medallist in the 470 class at the Olympic Games in Beijing (6-2-1-2-1-6-7-2).

In second position overall and 7 points behind Team 93 owned by Claudio Recchi, with tactician Flavio Favini and American Jonathan McKee at the main (3-7-7-1-3-7-3-3) while in third place Calvi Network owner Carlo Alberini who, with Gabriele Benussi calling tactics and Lorenzo Bodini the main (5-1 -bfd-9-10-5-1-1) won both of today's races. Calvi Network continues to lead in the overall Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series.

The winner, Pieter Taselaar (New York Yacht Club) owner of Blixem back on the dock: 'This was a great event. The fleet has a lot of depth and it is very tight sailing, especially on the starting line. It was an important test in view of the World Championship in September. The Race Committee did an outstanding job in setting a fair course and getting racing underway in a fast and efficient manner. I am really happy with the whole organization at La Marina di Scarlino and it has been a great couple of days. We'll be back!'

Bliksem 's tactician Nathan Wilmot also chipped in: 'It is my first time here in Maremma and this is a great race course, a bit shifty and good fun. We are happy we managed to get all of the races in and having the boat yard, the boats, the Audi meeting Point, the Club all at an arms length made this a great couple of days. It's a good setup.'

Racing activities will continue next week, with an International Grade 3 Match Race.