The Melges 24 World Championship 2012 begins today on Lake Garda with 129 teams from 22 nations and 4 continents, a record-like fleet. The strong Italian teams meet top helmsmen from the USA, such as the past-Foiler-Moth World Champion Bora Gulari USA or the double USA/SUI passport Olympian Chris Rast. Among the favorites is also the well-known 'Blu Moon' of Franco Rossini SUI with Flavio Favini ITA steering. After six qualification races with the fleet split in half, the competition continues with a Gold- and Silverfleet. The official preview.