Riva del Garda Pours the Final Fuel on the Fire at the 2017 Melges 20 World League, European Division

Big fleet racing anticipated for a predominantly Russian field of competitors, top National and World League divisional titles at stake

The Melges 20 World League, European Division has arrived at its fifth and final destination in 2017 as Fraglia Della Vela Riva plays host to the Russian Open.

Starting on Friday, September 1 and scheduled to conclude on Sunday, September 3, the event is all set for a massive showdown on the European frontlines. It will be a huge fight as the first winner of the first Melges 20 World League (M20WL) edition will be decided.

In Europe, the big challenge seems to be between a very strong Vladimir Prosikhin's NIKA, who currently leads the Division, and newly crowned 2017 European Champion Igor Rytov aboard RUSSIAN BOGATYRS. Only two points separate these fellow countrymen, each with big desire to win their respective National title.

Rytov is the current leader of the overall Melges 20 World League Ranking that includes participation from 83 teams worldwide.

For Rytov, the task is to continue his dream in what we know will be a full-on, wholehearted attempt to capture all the titles in 2017.

In addition to Prosikhin and Rytov, add master Italian Melges 20 helmsman Achille Onorato sailing MASCALZONE LATINO JR to the mix. He is ranked third overall on the European M20WL and hopes to deliver his best performance yet.

Krzysztof Krempec's MAG TINY team has been on an upswing all season. Although ten points back from first, he too hopes to keep up his tenacious and persevering crusade to reach podium status.

As always, the Corinthian division will work its zealous magic too, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats with top-notch teams such as Marina Kaverzina's MARUSSIA and Emanuele Savoini's EVINRUDE. These two teams in particular are sure to put up a grand final fight on Lake Garda.

In addition to all the titles this event will award, the racing on Lake Garda will be spectacular and is set to take on a very special feel. It is the final event for the entire International Melges 20 fleet before it heads over to Newport, RI in the U.S.A. for the World Championship, hosted by the New York Yacht Club on October 3-7.

The Melges 20 World League European Division is supported by Helly Hansen, Garmin Marine, Toremar, North Sails, Lavazza, Norda and Barracuda Communication.

TOP FIVE 2017 MELGES 20 WORLD LEAGUE RESULTS (After Eleven Events)
1.) Igor Rytov, RUSSIAN BOGATYRS = 128 pts.
2.) Drew Freides, PACIFIC YANKEE = 77 pts.
3.) Vladimir Prosikhin, NIKA = 72 pts.
4.) Liam Kilroy, WILDMAN = 66 pts.
5.) Achille Onorato, MASCALZONE LATINO = 64 pts.

TOP FIVE 2017 MELGES 20 WORLD LEAGUE, EUROPE RESULTS (After Four Events)
1.) Vladimir Prosikhin, NIKA = 72 pts
2.) Igor Rytov, RUSSIAN BOGATYRS = 70 pts.
3.) Achille Onorato, MASCALZONE LATINO, JR. = 64 pts.
4.) Krzysztof Krempec, MAG TINY = 62 pts.
5.) Alexander Ezhkov, PIROGOVO = 58 pts.