Match Cup Sweden News

Sailing Sweden-blog launched and embedded on smcs.com

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 GMT

The official blog for Stena Match Cup Sweden and RC44 Sweden Cup is now launched. All posts by sail blogger Fabian Bengtsson will also be embedded here on stenamatchcupsweden.com.

Rule Changes Confirmed for the Tour 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:52:00 GMT

Several rule changes have been confirmed for the 2012 Alpari World Match Racing Tour, coming into effect at the first event of the season, Match Race Germany in Langenargen on May 23 – 28.

Sailing Sweden blog starts next week!

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:31:00 GMT

A deeper look into this year's sailing events on the Swedish West coast.

Holmberg Predicts Match Racing Success for Berntsson

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:27:00 GMT

Swedish sailing legend Magnus Holmberg believes that the current crop of Swedish match racers are not only helping to bring through the next generation of Swedish Champions, but have what it takes to challenge the world’s best for the ISAF Match Racing World Championship title themselves.

Johnie Berntsson Set For Gold Cup Return

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Past King Edward VII Gold Cup winner Johnie Berntsson has accepted an invitation to compete in October’s Argo Group Gold Cup, The Royal Gazette can reveal. The Swede, who triumphantly raised the oldest match racing trophy for one-design yachts in 2008, is among the first skippers to have accepted invitations to compete in this year’s Alpari World Match Racing Tour (AWMRT) sanctioned regatta.

Some WMRT-bloopers from 1080 Media

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:08:00 GMT

Enjoy some of the hilarious moments with the worlds most premiere sailors. 1080 Media brings us some special photage from the AWMRT. Video embedded in article.

"Olympic Sailing Is Great But There’s Nothing Like The Tour"

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:54:00 GMT

Reigning Alpari World Match Racing Tour Champion Ian Williams will begin his bid for a fourth Tour victory next month, a feat that would put him level with Peter Gilmour’s record and affirm his status as a legend of match racing. It would be a remarkable performance from the Brit who only won his first World Championship in 2007 and, according to Williams, will more than compensate for not competing in the London Olympics.

Old Rivalries Rekindled, New Ones Ignited

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:52:00 GMT

The eagerly anticipated start to the 2012 Alpari World Match Racing Tour is just over seven weeks away and with established names set to be pitted alongside a new breed of Tour Card Holder, old rivalries will be rekindled and new ones ignited this season.

New edition of Match Racing 360º: Moving Forward!

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:44:00 GMT

Read the latest issue of Match Racing 360º featuring Alpari World Match Racing Tour, Chicago Match Cup, Porsche's involvement with Match Race Germany and interesting interviews with the new card holders of Alpari World Match Racing Tour. The magazine is also available for free in Apples Appstore.

Two Swedes in top 7 of the ISAF World Match Race Rankings

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:04:00 GMT

Ian Williams (GBR) and Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) hold top spot in the Open and Women's Match Race Rankings ahead of a busy European summer of match racing action. Swedish sailors Bjorn Hansen and Johnie Berntsson hold ranking five and seven. Despite not competing in a match racing event since the Monsoon Cup, Ian Williams (GBR) continues to sit at the top of the rankings followed by Francesco Bruni (ITA) and Torvar Mirsky (AUS).

Double tour cards to Sweden and two new venues for 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:10:00 GMT

As Alpari was acknowledged as new title sponsor for The World Match Racing tour during a press gathering in London today, the tour cards for the new season were revealed. Sweden will for the first time have two cards as last year’s bronze medalist on the tour, Johnie Berntsson, and last year’s finalist in Marstrand Bjorn Hansen both got their desired cards.

Alpari Announces Title Sponsorship of World Match Racing Tour

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:06:00 GMT

Alpari, a global association of companies providing online trading services, today announced a five-year title partnership with the World Match Racing Tour. The agreement sees the world’s leading professional sailing series become the Alpari World Match Racing Tour from February 2012.

Join our new Facebook page!

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:52:00 GMT

Join our new Facebook page and you can win a hot seat on one of the competing boats!

Johnie Berntsson - Stenbecks Minnespokal

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:58:00 GMT

Only a week after being named Swedish Sailor of the Year, World Match Racing Tour sailor Johnie Berntsson receives another prestigious award.

Johnie Berntsson - Swedish sailor of the year

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:08:00 GMT

Skipper Johnie Berntsson and his crew were crowned Swedish Sailors of the Year by the Swedish Sailing Federation today in a prize ceremony at the Gothenburg Boat Show. With fierce competition from the rest of the Swedish sailing elite, Berntsson is well worthy of the award after placing third in the World Match Racing Tour 2011.

Williams and Tunnicliffe remain on top in ISAF Match Race Rankings

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:11:00 GMT

Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) and Ian Williams (GBR) have retained their place at the top of the Women’s and Open ISAF Match Racing Rankings.

Summary of MeetinspotGbg 2012

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:49:00 GMT

Brandspot gathered an impressing list of big names among athletes and organizers of the sail racing world when the Gothenburg Boat Show kicked off on February 3rd. All eyes will without a doubt be fixed The Olympic Games this summer but as the 400 visitors of Meetingspot learned; there are more reasons to follow sailing in 2012. Here are the highlights:

A look back at the 2011 WMRT season

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:52:00 GMT

With the 2011 World Match Racing Tour season all wrapped up Tour Director Craig Mitchell reflects on what was a thrilling year of racing. From France through to Malaysia 2011 saw some of the fiercest on-the-water battles to date with the season finishing on a high with Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar taking home his third world title.

Staffan Lindberg first sailor to qualify for Stena Match Cup Sweden 2012

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:53:00 GMT

The Virgin Islands were for once overfilled with rain as Finland's Staffan Lindberg sailed over the finish line three boats lengths ahead of the USA's Sally Barkow to win the Finals 3-1 in the Carlos Aguilar Match Race. For their win, Lindberg and his team were each awarded a distinctive Ulysse Nardin precision timepiece. In addition, the team received an invitation to the prestigious Stena Match Cup Sweden 2012, in Marstrand.

Williams wins the double

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:27:00 GMT

Ian Williams has added the Monsoon Cup to his third ISAF Match Racing World Champion crown after the British sailor defeated Johnie Berntsson 3-1 in the final of the World Match Racing Tour’s finale event in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Berntsson took third place in the final World Championship stadnings and the other Swedish hope Bjorn Hansen, ended up in seventh place.

Meetingspot Stockholm revealed the latest news from the sailing world

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:33:00 GMT

As the Nordic region’s only indoor boat show during autumn, the Scandinavian Boat Show in Stockholm took off on the 9th November, Brandspot gathered an impressive line-up of sailing experts. The visitors of Meetingspot Stockholm 2011 received first hand information from some of the largest international events in the sailing world, including a glimpse behind the scenes of America’s Cup from sailing legend Paul Cayard and much more.

Teams unveiled for battle for ISAf World Match Racing Tour crown

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:31:00 GMT

The race to win the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) just got harder with today’s announcement that Tour Cardholders Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team and Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing are to be given wildcard entries to the season finale, the Monsoon Cup.

Berntsson lost to Mirsky in a tense Bermuda final

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:42:00 GMT

Torvar Mirsky won a sudden death final against GKSS-sailor Johnie Berntsson at the Argo Group Gold Cup in Bermuda to claim his second consecutive victory on the 2011 World Match Racing Tour. A win in the petit final for Francesco Bruni over Phil Robertson means just over six points now separate the trio of Ian Williams, Bruni and Mirsky with only the Monsoon Cup to go.

The Event Report for 2011 is here

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:49:00 GMT

The Event Report of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011 was just published. Read it embedded here online directly in this article.

SMCS 2011 aired on World Business

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:02:00 GMT

The award winning business programme World Business features in-depth analysis of business news and trends and provides a sophisticated mix of stories from all corners of the globe. Check out the five minute piece featuring the wonders of Stena Match Cup Sweden embedded in this article.

The program that appeals to “C” class executives, senior managers and top-level government officials has a sizable international broadcast footprint of over 350 million households. It is aired by among others CNBC Europe, Al Arabiya and the PBS.

Mirsky won, Hansen fourth

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:57:00 GMT

Torvar Mirsky is the new ‘King of the Mountain’ after beating Pierre-Antoine Morvan in the final of the 2011 St. Moritz Match Race. Ian Williams finished in third place to move up into first position in the overall Championship standings. Bjorn Hansen and Johnie Bertnsson both had a good week with Hansen sailing the petit final and Bertnsson ending up in fifth place. Next event is stage 7 of the World Match Racing Tour.

Richard Focused Solely on Retaining ‘King of the Mountain’ Title

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 09:33:00 GMT

Mathieu Richard believes his chances of winning the 2011 Match Racing World Championship have all but disappeared and is now citing a third ‘King of the Mountains’ title at the St. Moritz Match Race as the boost he needs to realise his new goal of an overall podium finish. Bjorn Hansen and Johnie Berntsson are defending the Swedish colours on the Swiss waters.

Best of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:45:00 GMT

World Match Racing Tour and Redhanded TV brings us some nice highlights from Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011. Sit back and let the memories wash over you. Check the video in the article - Available in HD.

Stena Match Cup Sweden Continues to Innovate for Fans and Partners

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:37:00 GMT

The guys over at Yachtsponsorship.com have written an interesting piece on Stena Match Cup Sweden and the events importance for sailing events around the world. We enjoy the appreciating words.

Williams Secures Back-to-Back Wins After Lifting Stena Match Cup Sweden

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT

Ian Williams ensured Stena Match Cup Sweden stayed in British hands today as he scored his second consecutive win of the 2011 World Match Racing Tour. Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar picked up where 2010 event winner Ben Ainslie left off, coming from behind to defeat local hero and arch rival Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Mekonomen Sailing Team in an exciting five-match finale.

Youth Match Cup Sweden

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:22:00 GMT

The legendary skipper Magnus Holmberg has put competing aside in this year’s Match Cup and instead focused on cultivating new talents. He is the organizer behind a new regatta for young match race sailors called Youth Match Cup Sweden. Sixteen crews have competed against each other this weekend and the winner was Caroline Sylvan. Magnus Holmberg is very satisfied with the premier and hopes that Youth Match Cup Sweden will continue for many years to come. – The sailors have enjoyed the regatta a lot and it feels like there is big need for this kind of event.

Flight 5 Final July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:55:00 GMT

Excitement was dazzling in the air as Björn Hansen took command in the fifth and deciding match in the finals of the Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011. Hansen ruled the start and immediately grew a lead to four boat lengths on the upwind tack. At downwind mark Hansen touched the buoy, but so did Williams so the referees decided to even the penalties. On Ian Williams boat the tactics were called with a lawyer's precision this day and he succeeded to gain on Hansen on the downwind with a couple of boat lengths. The Mekonomen Team of Hansen still kept a short lead upwind towards the mark, but then it all happened again, all that was forbidden to happen. Hansen received two penalties in a row when closing in on the top mark and colliding with Williams in the two boat zone. Next penalty was distributed for not giving way to Williams. That ended any chance of victory for Hansen's team. Their first big mistake of Hansen's team came in the worst of timings, in the very final match for the victory. Ian Williams team showed precision and strength and became a convincing winner of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011. Congratulations Ian Williams and team!

Flight 4 Final July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMT

The final races continue and it is not easy for the competitors to take the victory in Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011, both skippers seems determined to win. Björn Hansen had the control in the prestart but when the start signal sounded he yet again were late and fell behind. Ian Williams impressed with good speed on the upwind and managed to keep Hansen away. There were tight tacks on the upwind when Hansen took chances to challenge Williams but the British team handled the attacks well and rounded the upper buoy first. After that Williams increased the distance and could win the race with at least 100 meters. The two finalists now have the same chance to win in the next deciding race.

Flight 3 Final and Petit Final July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:36:00 GMT

Jesper Radich and his crew secured the third place of Stena Match Cup Sweden with their second win against Peter Gilmour. The Danes took an early lead and were in total control of the race. Congratulations Denmark! Björn Hansen is just one more win from grabbing the trophy. The Swedish skipper was very aggressive in the prestart but Williams played his hand well and got the advantage as the start whistle blew. By creating a split and finding, Hansen then managed to get back in the race and gained a small lead on the first upwind. The distance grew on the following legs and though Williams got close on the last downwind he never had the chance to strike back.

Update – point deduction

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:56:00 GMT

An incident in flight 2 ended with one point deduction for Peter Gilmour. Gilmour crashed in to Radich and the collision caused damage on the other boat. A hearing with the umpires resulted in a decision that Gilmour loses his point even if he won the race. The result is now 1-0 to Jesper Radich in the petit final.

Flight 2 Final and Petit Final July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:34:00 GMT

The start has not been Björn Hansen's strongest side so far in the finals. In Match 2 he was forced by Ian Williams to swing around the buoy just before the start horn sounded. He lost 3-4 seconds and saw Williams fly away. But Hansen fights back, heads into the bay, and beats up towards the downwind buoy. But Williams makes the calls and finds the wind gusts before Hansen, who makes every effort to gain on Williams. On the downwind to the finish line, Hansen is almost passed Ian Williams who attacks back just meters before the finish line.

Flight 1 Final and Petit Final July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:06:00 GMT

The sheers from the spectators roared as Björn Hansen passed the finish line and took the first point of the final. He was penalized for an aggressive luff at the end of the first leg but gained a small lead. The question was if he could increase the lead enough to be able to take his penalty spin. Thanks to excellent boat handling, Hansen created some distance to Williams and was fifteen seconds ahead at the last rounding. Williams then tried to attack heading downwind but could never get close enough for a serious challenge. Hansen completed his penalty by rounding the leeward buoy of the finishing line and won the race with Williams just behind. Peter Gilmour was able to take the lead from Jesper Radich after falling behind due to a false start. Now, Radich will have to win the coming matches of the petit final to avoid the undesirable forth place.

Flight 4 Semi Finals July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:46:00 GMT

After an entertaining pre-start where the two boats danced around each other, Hansen was able to force Radich over the start line to a false start. The tactician of Hansens Team Mekonomen, Gustav Tempelman, made some really good calls on the upwind and the Swedes sailed halfway through the first downwind before Radich rounded the top mark. Hansen defiled during the rest of the race and crossed the finish line up to 200 meters prior to Radich.

Flight 3 Semi Finals July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:14:00 GMT

The third flight was the last one for Australian skipper Peter Gilmour. Ian Williams took his third win in a row and impressed by controlling Gilmour who tried to attack on the upwind. Williams is now ready for the final and is waiting to see who the competitor will be. Björn Hansen gained a second point against Jesper Radich after a race which Hansen led from the start. There was several duels where both boats tried to tack and give the other skipper a penalty but Hansen managed to increase the lead despite that and could win with a great margin. Hansen now needs one more victory to reach the final.

Flight 2 Semi Finals July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMT

Jesper Radich evened out the score against Björn Hansen with a victory in the second flight of the semi finals. Hansen had the lead at the start but lost it on the first upwind in a duel where he was also penalized. Radich was in total control from then on and Hansen never got a chance to strike back.
Ian Williams took another point against Peter Gilmour and now has a great opportunity to get to the final. The British skipper had the lead after a great first leg and increased it on the second upwind. He has mastered the gusty winds brilliantly so far and only needs one more win to get to the final.

Flight 1 Semi Finals July 10, 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 09:38:00 GMT

The semi finals took off early this morning with great conditions. Williams won the start vs Peter Gilmour and also found darker water on the first leg. The two boats then sniffed each other on the first lap with Williams ahead. In the middle of the race Gilmour attacked his opponent and managed to force Williams into taking a penalty. When passing the top buoy for the last time Williams had a 15 second lead which gave him room to take his penalty around the start buoy and still cross the finish line before Gilmour.

Peter Gilmour – Ian Williams 0-1

Hansen och Gilmour to semi finals in Match Cup Sweden

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:02:00 GMT

Peter Gilmour staged an incredible comeback today to book his place in the Semi Finals of Stena Match Cup Sweden. Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing, the World Match Racing Tour’s elder statesman, proved experience is everything as he sent fellow countryman Torvar Mirsky (AUS) The Wave Muscat packing in a fine Quarter Final display.

Flight 4 Quarterfinals 9 July, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:05:00 GMT

Gilmour, Hansen, Radich and Williams in the Stena Match Cup Sweden semi’s 2011! In the fourth quarter final flight both Radich and Richard were penalized in the pre-start, which equalized the penalties. Radich then got some advantage and rounded first at the top buoy. The second leg was very fast but both skippers but stayed close to each other. On the second last spinnaker setting Radich ran into some problems while Richard hoisted his spinnaker perfectly. After another tight lap Radich got some downwind revenge and flew towards the finish line and thereby won the quarter 3-1.

Flight 3 Quarterfinals July 9, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:32:00 GMT

Björn Hansen and Peter Gilmour steered to comfortable victories in their Quarterfinals and secured their places in the semi finals.

Flight 2 Quarterfinals 9 July, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:15:00 GMT

In the second flight of the quarter finals, Mirsky managed to hit the starting line perfect but was also penalized in the pre-start. In spite of the start, Gilmour got to the first rounding and could quickly set his spinnaker first. The living sailing legend sailed exceptionally well during the rest of the race and won with several boat lengths. 2-0 for Gilmour.

Flight 1 Quarterfinals 9 July, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:37:00 GMT

“I recon we will wreck some boats today” said Torvar Mirsky heading into the quarterfinal and this turned out to be a good assumption. The first flight of the quarterfinals was filled with penalties and collisions.
Gilmour was penalized in an extraordinary match against Mirsky who got off to a good start. The tables turned on the first downwind as Gilmour attacked Mirsky in duels where the young skipper was penalized twice. The penalty score was evened out again on the next leg but Gilmour gained a small lead which he kept to the end.
Phil Robertsson lost against Björn Hansen and was also punished with a point deduction for colliding with Hansen in the prestart. This gives Hansen a two point lead.
Jesper Radich was able to strike back after a bad start and won against Mathieu Richard.
Ian Williams received two penalties but still won against Damien Iehl.

Flight 4 Open Class July 9, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:45:00 GMT

In the final flight of the round robin Björn Hansen performed a great start against Jesper Radich in a race that had great importance for the top positions. Radich then found better strokes of wind and passed on the first upwind leg. The distance was increased on the following lap and Radich could pretty easy take his final point prior to the quarters.

Flight 3 Open Class July 9, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:06:00 GMT

In the third flight Jonhie Berntsson sailed his most important race so far in the competition and tried to reach the quarter finals. He had a tight race against Peter Gilmore who seems to have improved after a bad start in this year´s competition. Berntsson sailed well and Gilmour received a penalty which gave the Swedish skipper some hope. But Gilmour still led the race and the gap between the boats became larger and Gilmour had time to take his penalty and still win the race. Jesper Radich had an even start against Francesco Bruni but Radich got some better wind in the sails and could win the race. Damien Iehl raced against Phil Robertson and had no problem winning the race with a large distance to the New Zealand team.

Flight 2 Open Class July 9, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:29:00 GMT

Johnie Berntsson still has a shot at reaching the quarter finals after a narrow win over Jesper Radich. He fell behind at first but kept challenging Radich on the first two legs. He managed to take the lead at the last rounding and headed towards the goal with Radich at his heel. Berntsson won with less than a meter.
Ian Williams made a great start against Rasmus Viltoft and kept the lead almost to the end. The Danish skipper surprisingly managed to strike back at the last rounding and won the race.
Tovar Mirsky gained a big lead over his fellow Australian Phil Robertsson on the first leg and never lost it. Mattias Rahm could never recover from making a false start and he lost against Francesco Bruni.

Flight 1 Open Class July 9, 2011

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:16:00 GMT

Today´s sailing started with a steady wind and a sunny sky, good conditions to catch up the delays from previous days. The first race was between Rasmus Viltoft and Phil Robertson which the young skipper Robertson from New Zealand had control of with a comfortable lead. Mattias Rahm met Johnie Berntsson in a race where Rahm had a bad start and was left at the starting line when Berntsson got off with great wind in the sails. Berntsson could win the race and still has a chance for the quarter finals. Keith Swinton and Jesper Radich had a split start that seemed even on the upwind but Radich increased his lead during the race and won with several boat lengths. In the last race Torvar Mirsky had a great start but lost the control in the other half of the race. Marinho got closer and passed the Australian skipper on the last downwind and could win the race.

Youth Match Cup Sweden

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:33:00 GMT

A new regatta starts today on the waters outside of Marstrand as 16 crews will race each other for the title of Youth Match Cup Sweden. The competitors are between fifteen to twenty five years old and many have little or no experience of match racing. Still, they will surely offer entertaining matches in the small keelboat CB66.

Master chef and artists won celebrity sailing at Marstrand

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:36:00 GMT

The annual Celebrity Race is settled – the internationally known master chef Marcus Samuelsson caught the victory for Santa Maria after a dramatic race. Rain, nude bathing and several collisions marked the race. The swimmer Josefin Lillhage and STCC racer Janne ”Flash” Nilsson finished second, and the Let’s Dance-group on the Childhood boat caught third place, despite two collisions.

Flight 8 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:31:00 GMT

In the last flight for today all three Swedish skippers were competing but unfortunately none on them managed to collect any points. Mattias Rahm lost against Keith Swinton in a tough battle. Many protests came from the skippers but no penalties were received. With many losses it is now hard for Rahm to qualify for the quarter finals. Björn Hansen has a good chance to compete in the quarter finals despite a loss against Phil Robertson. The race was tight and the skippers shifted being the leader but Robertson was the first reaching the finish line. Johnie Berntsson had a good chance in the race against Mathieu Richard but penalties stopped him from winning the race. Rasmus Viltoft sailed against Alvaro Marinho in an even race and had another victory.

Flight 7 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:47:00 GMT

The wind has increased since this morning and the seventh flight saw a lot of thrilling duels. Björn Hansen secured a place in the quarter finals by winning over Alvaro Marinho. The Swedish skipper was in the lead when he was penalized for coming in contact with the buoy at the second rounding. Still, he kept the advantage and Marinho was given a penalty at the end of the following upwind. Hansen reached the goal as the winner.
David Gilmour got an early advantage over Rasmus Viltoft who was given a penalty at the start and Mathieu Richard won comfortably against Keith Swinton. Damien Iehl could never recover from the penalty he was given in his match against Mattias Rahm.

Flight 6 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:18:00 GMT

The wind has increased and in the sixth flight the boats got a real strong wind in the sails. The speed maid this flight full of action and penalties were received several times. Peter Gilmour sailed against Björn Hansen and managed to win the race due to a double penalty when Hansen came too close when rounding the upper boy. Hansen had to take the penalty immediately and fell behind. The race between Mathieu Richard and Damien Iehl was an easy race for Iehl who won with a big gap between the boats when passing the finish line. Ian Williams keeps winning and gained another point in a race against Keith Swinton. Both skippers kept a good speed and after a tight race Williams increased the lead in the last downwind and could win. Fancesco Bruni led the race against Alvaro Marinho but received a double penalty. Even if Bruni kept good speed after that Marinho was the first reaching the finish line.

Flight 5 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:50:00 GMT

Björn Hansen made a good start against Francesco Bruni when he forced the Italian skipper to a false start. The two boats collided when Bruni caught up to Hansen on the upwind. Bruni was penalized for not bearing away and a red flag was raised on the umpire boat. Bruni was forced to take the penalty just after he had set his spinnaker and Hansen gained a big lead. Bruni never got a chance to strike back.
Peter Gilmour made a bad decision to head for the right side of the track while Jesper Radich got more speed to the right. Gilmour fell far behind on the first upwind and could never recover.
Torvar Mirsky had the lead from start to finish against Damien Iehl and Mathieu Richard won comfortably against Ian Williams.

Flight 4 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:35:00 GMT

Mattias Rahm has improved from yesterday´s sailings whit one more victory in the fourth flight against Torvar Mirsky. Rahm increased the margin between the boats after the first rounding and after that the Swedish skipper controlled the race. Peter Gilmour raced against Ian Williams and once again failed to gain points in the competition. Williams is a strong competitor this year and Gilmour could not keep up with the British skipper who now is on his way to the quarter finals. The race between Rasmus Viltoft and Mathieu Richard was even but Richard lead and could win the race despite attempts from Viltoft who took several chances to challenge the leader. Damien Iehl and Francesco Bruni fought in an even race and Bruni could be shore of the victory in the last downwind where he kept the lead.

Flight 3 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:49:00 GMT

Keith Swinton’s decision to go off to the left side of the course gave him a big lead over Francesco Bruni. The light winds call for great maneuvering and mistakes are costly but Swinton managed to stay out of trouble. He increased the distance to Bruni on the following legs and won with a huge margin. Peter Gilmour has really turned things around after a weak start of the regatta. He won comfortably against his fellow Australian, Phil Robertsson gaining a big lead on the first leg.
The Danish skipper Rasmus Viltoft seems to being having a tough time out on the water. He was penalized twice at the start in his match against Damien Iehl. He was forced to take the penalty spin right away, fell behind and could never recover.

Flight 2 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:02:00 GMT

Today’s second flight was thrilling with tight battles and several penalties due to aggressive sailing. Swedish skipper Mattias Rahm finally had a great race and a victory with more than 200 meters before Phil Robertson. The first upwind was even and every meeting on the sea was exciting but Rahm got a small lead which increased. Johnie Berntsson´s team is in a great shape and won their second race for today against Alvaro Marinho. Marinho had the lead from the start but at the upper rounding Berntsson was challenging and tried to control the other boat. Both boats stood almost still and attacks from the skippers resulted in loud protests and a double penalty for Marinho which gave Berntsson a clear lead. The race between Francesco Bruni and Rasmus Viltoft ended up with same situation as the race before. After a tight battle at the top boy Viltoft got a great wind in the spinnaker and was already then the winner of the race. In the last race Peter Gilmour won his first race in this year’s competition against Keith Swinton. Swinton received a penalty which gave Gilmour a lead.

Flight 1 Open Class July 8, 2011

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:13:00 GMT

Björn Hansen took the lead on the first leg in his match against Rasmus Viltoft. The Swedish skipper found stronger winds on the right side of the course after a split start and kept his lead to the end.
Keith Swinton was penalized at the start in his race against Johnie Berntsson but took the lead and increased it on the first leg. The Australian skipper was never able to create enough distance to Berntsson who could pass him at the end when Swinton took his penalty.
Phil Robertsson won comfortably against Alvaro Marinho and Jesper Radich beat Mattias Rahm in a tight race.

Flight 9 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:45:00 GMT

The last flight had light winds and it was hard to keep the competition going. Still, Björn Hansen impressed once again today by winning on more race, this time against the other Swedish skipper Johnie Berntsson. Hansen managed the light winds well and raced with a good speed even if the weather conditions were not the best. Berntsson unfortunately had losses in all races today but he still has a chance for the quarter finals by taking points in the rest of the races tomorrow. Alvaro Marinho met Jesper Radich in a race that was exciting all the way to the end. Radich had the lead but received a penalty which gave Marinho a chance to victory. Yet, Radich was faster and had time to take the penalty before the finish line and could win the race. The last race between Torvar Mirsky and Keith Swinton was even and the two skippers took turns being the leader. Finally Mirsky got better speed in the last downwind and raced all the way to the finish line.

Flight 8 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:53:00 GMT

Björn Hansen won by the biggest victory margin yet in this year’s regatta in his race against Torvar Mirsky. The Swedish skipper forced Mirsky to a false start and got a huge lead early on. He increased the lead from then on and won his third straight match.
It looked like Johnie Berntsson was heading for a win as he was sailing towards the goal with a big lead over Damien Iehl. Yet, Berntsson lost all his speed while taking a penalty he was given on the first leg and Iehl was able to pass him with just a boat length to go.
Jesper Radich showed excellent maneuvering skills when he won against Mathieu Richard and Ian Williams secured a point with a comfortable victory over Alvaro Marinho.

Flight 7 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:16:00 GMT

Ian Williams challenged Francesco Bruni in the first race. Both got off to a great start and had a tough battle during the whole race, with tight meetings on the upwind, but Williams was the first reach the finish line. Peter Gilmour, who only have losses so far, yet again failed to take points in the race against Damien Iehl. A false start from Gilmore gave Iehl an advantage which was too large for Gilmore to catch up. This was his fifth race and from now on Gilmore has to start collect points to have a chance for the quarter finals. The Swedish skipper Björn Hansen raced against Mathieu Richard in an exciting race. Richard made a false start but Hansen was not able to find the right wind and the race was even from the beginning. In the downwind they had a jibe duel and finally Hansen increased the distance and could win the race. The last race was between Torvar Mirsky and Jesper Radich which Mirsky won without any problem.

Flight 6 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:16:00 GMT

In this flight we had all three Swedish skippers sailing. Mattias Rahm finally won his first race and beat seven times champion Peter Gilmour. Rahm was behind in the start but at the upper rounding he passed Gilmour and increased the speed on the downwind. Björn Hansen had a split start against Ian Williams and the two boats rounded the upper boy almost at the same time. The race was tight but Hansen was leading and Williams did everything he could to disturb the wind for his competitor. That resulted in a penalty for not making way for Hansen around the next boy and Hansen comfortably won this race. The third Swedish Skipper Johnie Berntsson did not have the same luck against Phil Robertson. Berntsson had a false start and Robertson got a great lead which he kept all the way to the finish line. The race between Mathieu Richard and Francesco Bruni was undramatic and Bruni collected another point after controlling the whole race.

Flight 5 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:16:00 GMT

The fifth flight of the day ended with yet another loss for Peter Gilmour who has had a rough start of the regatta. He took an early lead against Mathieu Richard but lost it on the first downwind when Richard managed to steal his wind. Richard gained a big lead and was several boat lengths ahead at the rounding and Gilmour never recovered. Ian Williams was penalized after a collision with Torvar Mirsky at the start. Williams was trying to pressure Mirsky in to a making a false start but the young Australian crossed the line with perfect timing. Wiliams however managed to came back and won the race. Both Jesper Radich and Francesco Bruni won their matches comfortably after being in the lead from start to finish.

Flight 4 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:47:00 GMT

In the third flight Björn Hansen performed an impressive start against Damien Iehl and chose the right side of the course. But after the first rounding the Frenchman caught the wind well and managed to pass on the second leg. He kept his lead all the way over the finish line. The other three matches in the flight ended with quite large victory margins for Ian Williams over Johnie Berntsson, Alvaro Marinho over Peter Gilmour and Torvar Mirsky over Francesco Bruni.

Flight 3 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:10:00 GMT

The third flight started with a race between the two Danish teams, skippers Rasmus Viltoft and Jesper Radich. After a false start Viltoft was forced to pass the start line again and Radich could catch an important leading edge. He kept the lead with at least one hundred meters and it was impossible for Viltoft to catch up. Keith Swinton had a tight duel against Alvaro Marinho after a split start but managed to keep the Portuguese away and finally won the race. Johnie Berntsson fought against Francesco Bruni in his first race of the day. A great start from Bruni held Berntsson two boat lengths away the whole race and even if he got closer in the last downwind Bruni was the strongest one and got his first victory. In the last race Peter Gilmour sailed his first race in this year’s competition, against Torvar Mirksy, both from Perth Australia. Gilmour has been a slow starter before in Stena Match Cup Sweden and this year he once again started with a los.

Flight 2 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:18:00 GMT

The second flight of the day saw two Swedish skippers facing each other on the starting line. Mattias Rahm got off to a better start than Björn Hansen but lost the lead after choosing to head for the left side of the course. This turned out to be a match deciding mistake as Hansen found more wind on the other side. He gained a big lead and was ahead by fifteen seconds at the rounding. Rahm could never catch up and Hansen won comfortably.
Ian Williams took his second win of the day in his match against Jesper Radich and Damien Iehl secured a point early on in his race against Alvaro Marinho. The French skipper was in the lead from start to finish and kept his cool as Marinho desperately tried to challenge him at the last rounding.
Keith Swinton came back after a bad start against Rasmus Viltoft and took his third point so far in Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011.

Flight 1 Open Class July 7, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:16:00 GMT

Today’s sailing started with the right weather conditions. The first race was between the Swedish skipper Mattias Rahm and Mathieu Richard. Rahm had a bad start and was far behind the French boat with an increasing distance during the race. Rahm yet again lost and still has no points in the competition. But it is not over for the Swedish skipper yet, he still has a chance to improve his results. The race between Torvar Mirsky and Rasmus Viltoft was settled early and Mirsky won comfortably with several boat lengths. Damien Iehl and Keith Swinton also had an undramatic race where Swinton lead and won his second race so far in the competition. The most interesting race was between Ian Williams and Phil Robertson. A split start with a bad position for Williams turned and gave him a victory when Robertson received a penalty that he didn´t managed to take before the finish line, despite his lead.

Leroy won light wind final

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:03:00 GMT

In feather light winds the French sailor Claire Leroy succeeded to grasp the victory in the Ladies’ final at Stena Match Cup Sweden ahead of American sailor Anna Tunnicliffe. Third on the podium was Ekaterina Skudina from Russia.

Berntsson and Marinho Seize Early Advantage

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:01:00 GMT

Swedish skipper Johnie Berntsson kicked off scoring at the Stena Match Cup Sweden with two wins on his home turf. Tour Card Holder Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team finished day one of the Stena Match Cup Sweden at the head of the leaderboard alongside Portuguese wildcard Alvaro Marinho (POR) Seth Sailing Team after a short first Qualifying Session.

Marstrand; The Wimbledon of sailing

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:59:00 GMT

The Open class of Stena Match Cup Sweden starts today but the three highest ranked sailors of the World Match Racing Tour won’t enter the competition until tomorrow. The legendary Peter Gilmour is thrilled to be back at the venue where he has won seven times in the past. – I believe that this event of the World Match Racing Tour is what Wimbledon is to tennis. The natural beauty of the arena and the spectator’s knowledge of sailing make it a very exciting event.

Flight 2 Women’s Class Final and Petit Final July 6th, 2011

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:11:00 GMT

Anna Tunnecliffe won the second match of the final after a thrilling race filled with daring duels. Claire Leroy was penalized for coming in contact with the buoy at the start and fell behind at the start. She came back and managed to pass Tunnecliffe at the second rounding and with more speed she increased the lead. Fifteen seconds separated the sailors at the last rounding and it looked like Leroy’s lead was big enough to be able to complete a penalty spin and still keep the lead. But Tunnecliffe finished the race with a perfect leg passing Leroy before reaching the goal as the winner.
The excitement is high and there’s no telling how the medals will be awarded with even scores in both finals. Ekaterina Skudina won the second match of the petit final in a race she controlled from start to finish.

Flight 1 Final Women’s Class July 6, 2011

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:22:00 GMT

The final in the women´s class started in the afternoon. We have Claire Leroy and Anna Tunnicliffe competing for the gold. The first race between the two strong skippers had a very even start and both of them were strong on the first upwind. Several times the skippers tried to block the wind for the other competitor by doing a jibe just in front of the boat. Tunnicliffe lead most of the race and it looked like she was going to win but on the last jibe the French team got better speed and passed Tunnicliffe just before the finish line. The race for taking the third place in this year’s competition stood between Lucy MacGregor and last year’s winner Ekaterina Skudina. MacGregor had a clear lead thru the race and took her first points in the final. If the British team win next race they have secured the bronze medal.

Flight 2 Open Class July 6th, 2011

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:40:00 GMT

Johnie Berntsson took the lead early on in the match against Torvar Mirsky. He made a great start and was in total control during the rest of the race.
The battle between Alvaro Marinho and Mathieu Richard was by far the most exciting match of the second flight. The two skippers were neck to neck from start to finish but Marinho had the upper hand on the last downwind. He won by less than a boat length.
The two young Australian skippers Phil Robertson and Keith Swinton faced off in a match that was decided already at the start. Swinton got off to perfect start, took the lead and never lost it.

Flight 1 Open Class July 6, 2011

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:25:00 GMT

The Wednesday races started late in the morning because of the light wind. When the wind began to stabilize the open class could sail the first races for this year’s competition. In the first flight we had all three Swedish skippers sailing. Mattias Rahm, who is a dark horse this year with just a few competitions sailed, lead the most of the race against Alvaro Marinho. In the last downwind Marinho was forced away but surprised Rahm just before the finish line by sneaking up behind and won the race. The others two Swedish teams had a great start, Johnie Berntsson and Björn Hansen both won their races. The last meeting was between Phil Robertson and Jesper Radich where Robertson was leading the whole race and took his first points with a comfortable distance to the Danish team.

Tina Thörner helps Childhood at Marstrand

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:59:00 GMT

Marstrand is a boiling kettle of sailing and public party this week. As the event’s Charity Partner, Childhood is increasingly the center of attention year after year. Childhood cares about childrens childhood and a lot of companies cares about them. Kids Corner is back at Marstrand after a successful start last year. Tina Thörner, the rally navigator, is coaching the racing team on Childhood’s boat on the annual Celebrity Race on Friday.

Jr Cup increase the accessibility to sailing

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:26:00 GMT

In the successful competition Jr Cup, some of Sweden's toughest junior sailors are fighting in front of thousands of spectators at Stena Match Cup Sweden, on the coveted title of "best team". Jr Cup is an initiative of the Swedish Sailing Federation to increase access to the sport.

World sailing stars to the finals

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:43:00 GMT

A host of the world’s top female match racers have been doing battle on the waters of Sweden’s Marstrand Fjord today at Stena Match Cup Sweden, the fifth stage of the World Match Racing Tour.

Flight 5 Semi Final Women’s Class July 5, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:48:00 GMT

The deciding semi final was sailed in light winds and included two skippers performing great sailing. The start was tight with both skippers heading for the Marstrand island. Skudina performed a clean double tack and passed on the first upwind leg. Leroy then performed a great rounding and spinnaker setting to gain the lead but Skudina managed to get back in the race again by catching the downwind and reach the next buoy first. The Russian kept her lead over the second last leg but got into a multiple jibe challenge in the end of the race where Claire Leroy slowly could pass and thereby secure her place in the finals against Anna Tunnicliffe. The joy aboard the French boat was evident!

Flight 4 Semi Final Womens Class July 5th , 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:19:00 GMT

Ekaterina won the thrilling forth match in her semifinal against Claire Leroy. The Russian skipper fell behind at first after a false start and Claire Leroy took the lead as Skudina was forced to fall back to the starting line. Leroy then managed to gain a big lead on the first leg and was ahead by over twenty seconds at the first spinnaker setting. But, Skudina never gave up and caught up with Leroy at the end of the first upwind and even passed her heading downwind towards the goal and won the race. The score is now even and the winner of the next match will get to the final.

Flight 3 Semi Final Womens Class July 5th, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:39:00 GMT

Anna Tunnicliffe will be one of the skippers to compete in tomorrow’s final of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011. She won her semifinal against Lucy Macgregor with three straight wins. The American skipper took an early lead after a tight duel at the start. She then increased the lead on the following legs and won comfortably. The question of which skipper she will compete against in the final is still not settled. Claire Leroy is in the lead in the other semifinal against Ekaterina Skudina with two victories against one .The French skipper fell behind at first but recovered after finding more wind than Skudina on the first upwind. The champion of Match Cup Sweden 2008 now has a good shot at reaching yet another final.

Flight 2 Semi Final Women’s Class July 5, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:23:00 GMT

In the second flight of the semi’s we saw two split starts. Anna Tunnicliffe made an early tack and managed to hit the first rounding first. The rest of the race was close but the American managed to keep the distance between the boats over the finish line for a 2-0 lead on Lucy MacGregor. Claire made a bold start where she was very close to one of the starting buoys. At the first rounding Skudina got the upper hand but got into trouble when taking down her spinnaker. Claire took advantage of the mistake and equalized the score, 1-1.

Flight 1 Semi Final Women’s Class July 5, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:45:00 GMT

The Semi Finals started in the afternoon with a great sailing weather. A steady wind and a blue sky made the sailing conditions perfect. The first two races were sailed without any dramatics. Anna Tunnicliffe was leading the whole race with a good margin to the British team with skipper Lucy MacGregor. Tunnicliffe easily took the lead when MacGregor received a penalty in the start. Ekaterina Skudina had a fantastic start in the race against Claire Leroy. The Russian team passed the start line in the same second as the start signal went off and after that controlled the rest of the race. MacGregor and Leroy still have a chance for the final. The skippers going to the final has to be best of five races.

Flight 5 Womens Class July 5th

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:46:00 GMT

Eketerina Skudina, Anna Tunnicliffe, Claire Leroy and Lucy MacGregor are through to the next stage of the women’s class of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011. Several skippers had a chance to qualify for the semifinals by winning their matches in the fifth flight of the day. Lucy MacGregor lost the race against Claire Leroy after being disqualified but both sailors have gathered enough points to stay in the race for the gold.
Disappointed Swedish fans saw Anna Kjellberg get beaten in her last match. She gained an early advantage over her opponent, Mandy Mulder, but lost it on the first leg and then fought bravely to come back in the race. She had a chance to take back the lead on the last upwind after surprising Mulder with a double tack but the Dutch skipper kept her lead until the end.

Flight 4 Women’s Class July 5, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Trine Abrahamsen defeated Caroline Sylvan in the the young Swedish skipper’s last race. Sylvan didn´t manage to take any points in this year’s competition. It´s her first competition in Stena Match Cup Sweden and should be considered as a great new experience. Hopefully we can see her back in Marstrand next year. The race between Ekaterina Skudina and Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen was settled from the start. Skudina is a tough competitor and impressed again with a strong effort in the race. The Russian team is now ready for the semifinals. In the last race Nicky Souter won over Claire Leroy who received a penalty early. Leroy had an advantage but fell behind in the last downwind and didn´t have a chance to win the race.

Flight 3 Women’s Class July 5th, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:06:00 GMT

Anna Kjellberg is on a winning streak today with three straight wins. She won her match against Danish skipper, Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen after taking the advantage from the start and never giving her opponent a chance to come back.
Trine Abrahamsen and her crew lost the small lead they had gained in their match against Mandy Mulder when they dropped their spinnaker in the water. The Danish crew could never recover from their mistake and Mulder won comfortably.

Flight 2 Women’s Class July 5, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:18:00 GMT

The boats sailed real tight during the second flight and a short track made it difficult for the sailors to catch the wind. The most exciting race was between Anna Kjellberg and Ekaterina Skudina. Kjellberg got off to a great start when Skudina received a penalty after a false start. The Swedish team kept the lead for the first half of the race but couldn´t keep Skudina away on the downwind. It was an exciting battle which finally gave Kjellberg the right wind and the final lead over the finish line. The remaining races were between Lotte Meldgaard who won over Nicky Mulder without problem, Anna Tunnicliffe beat Claire Leroy that fell behind after a false start, and between Lucy Macgregor who easily won a race against Nicky Souter.

Flight 1 Women’s Class July 5th, 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:33:00 GMT

Today´s sailing here at Marstrand started with a duel between the two Swedish skippers Anna Kjellberg and Caroline Sylvan. Anna Kjellberg got off to a better start and kept the lead until the end. <P> All four matches started of tight but soon ended with big distances between the sailors. Ekaterina Skudina won her match against Claire Leroy with a margin of over 300 meters. Last year´s champion seems to have found the winning flow she had last year.

Anna Kjellberg has hope for semi finals

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:20:00 GMT

The Swedish success had to wait until the sixth flight on the first day of Stena Match Cup Sweden. Anna Kjellberg then succeeded to turn the trend and win two matches in a row. She is still a possible Semi finalist tomorrow. - We were a bit nervous at first, but it changed with the win. We are satisfied with two points in this tough competition. Tomorrow our goal is to win all matches to take us further, said Anna Kjellberg.

Flight 7 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:56:00 GMT

The last flight for today gave the Swedish skipper Anna Kjellberg some hope for the semifinals when her team won against Nicky Souter. It was a tight race but Kjellberg managed to keep the lead from the start to the finish line. The other Swedish skipper Caroline Sylvan lost a race again and Mandy Mulder won without problems. Claire Leroy is still undefeated after a race against Lotte Meldgaard. The race between Lucy Macgregor and Ekaterina Skudina was extremely tight. Skudina received a penalty but still had the lead in the last downwind. Macgregor sailed tactical just behind the other boat and could pass the finish line before the Russians that had to take their penalty.

Flight 6 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Anna Kjellberg earned her first point of the day in her race against Trina Abrahamsen. The Swedish skipper got off to a good start and was in the lead coming up to the first rounding with Abrahamsen close behind. Kjellberg was then punished for being too aggressive in her challenges at the end of the leg. She increased her lead from then on and was finally able to perform her penalty spin and cross the goal line as the winner. Ekaterina Skudina managed to strike back in her match against Nicky Souter after a bad first leg. Skudina gained on Souter and took the lead on the last upwind. Falling overboard seems to have had a positive effect on Mandy Mulder who won the first race since the incident earlier today. She won her race against Anna Tunnicliffe comfortably.

Flight 5 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:35:00 GMT

All three races in the fifth flight were settled from the start. Lucy Macgregor had control over Lotte Meldgaard from the first upwind and kept the distance between the boats through the entire race. Caroline Sylvan lost another race, this time against Nicky Souter. Sylvan was fighting hard but hasn´t won any race yet. A third victory to Souter was settled in the beginning of the race when the Australian team put up a distance that increased during the race. Also in the race between Trine Abrahamsen and Ekaterina Skudina one boat had a superior lead and Skudina easily won the race.

Flight 4 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:33:00 GMT

The spectators on the shores of Marstrand witnessed a dramatic race in the forth flight between Mandy Mulder and Ekaterina Skudina. They were sailing right next to each other when the Dutch skipper fell overboard as she was tacking. Skudina gained a big lead and Mulder forfeited the race after being picked up by her crew. The Swedish skippers Anna Kjellberg and Caroline Sylvan are still waiting for their first victories. Sylvan fell behind early on in her match against Claire Leroy and was never able to gain contact although she struggled to catch up. Anna Kjellberg got off to a good start against Lucy Macgregor but lost the lead on the first downwind. Anna Kjellberg still has a shot at qualifying for the next round but she can’t afford to lose another point.

Flight 3 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:39:00 GMT

During the third flight the wind was still unstable at the top mark and made it difficult for the skippers. Despite this, Claire Leroy and Anna Tunnicliffe both won their third race in a row in this flight. Leroy met Anna Kjellberg in a race that the Swedish skipper couldn´t keep up with. Kjellberg had to take chances that Leroy took advantage of and got a real lead. Tunnicliffe raced against the other Swedish skipper Caroline Sylvan and took a strong grip of the race from the beginning. Sylvan received a penalty in the start which increased the leading. Lucy Macgregor who has won her previous races lost against Mandy Mulder. Mulder took the lead early and kept it all the way to the finish line. Nicky Souter impressed in a race against Trine Abrahamsen where she did some great jibes and won.

Flight 2 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:08:00 GMT

Exciting duels in the second flight of the day as the rapid wind shifts and are difficult to anticipate . Lucy Macgregor beat Trine Abrahamsen in a race which was tight until the last downwind when MacGregor was able to increase the small lead she had gained at the start. Claire Leroy got off to a perfect start against Mandy Mulder. She kept a small lead until the last upwind when the Dutch skipper was able to pass her as they rounded the buoy. Leroy fought back on the down wind and took back the lead. Last year’s winner Ekaterina Skudina beat Swedish skipper, Caroline Sylvan after being in the lead during the whole race.

Flight 1 Women’s Class July 4, 2011

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:40:00 GMT

The first race of the day was between Claire Leroy and Trine Abrahamsen. Both started with a penalty that resulted in an even start, but Leroy led the whole race and could easily take her first points in the competition. The second race between Mandy Mulder and Nicky Souter was tight. Mulder made a false start and Souter took the lead. Souter was challenged a few times, but finally won the race. The last race was between the Swedish skipper Anna Kjellberg and Anna Tunnicliffe. A split start gave Tunnicliffe an advantage and she led most of the race. Kjellberg approached when the American lost wind but didn´t manage to keep up and lost her first race.

1st time ever at SMCS – HOT SEATS on the competing boats

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:52:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup Sweden launches HOT SEATS. Now it is possible to experience the thrilling action of match racing at sea, on the boat together with the best sailors in the world. Register a Hot Seat deal including:

Hot seat - a crew spot aboard a DS37 sailboat for one race
Foul weather gear, life jacket, pick up service by rib boat
VIP Accreditation; access to VIP areas such as Match Cup Lounge and veranda, Roof Top Lounge, spectator stand and champagne bar
Lunch at Match Cup Lounge
Three beverage vouchers
Stena Match Cup Sweden Polo

All this to the price of 270 Euro per person and day.

Flight 1 Women’s Class July 3, 2011

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011 blasted off today with an exciting race in the women´s class between the highest and the lowest ranked skippers of the fleet. Lucy MacGregor, ranked number one in the world, got off to a good start while her opponent Caroline Sylvan, ranked 110th, was penalized early on the first leg. The young Swedish skipper could never get close enough to challenge MacGregor who increased her lead on the following legs.

The world’s eyes focus on Marstrand

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:12:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup Sweden is regarded as a template for new WMRT-cities The match racing world championship series, the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) set out on a new path almost one year ago. The vision was to create the world’s leading mono-hull match racing series. With new boats, new venues and increased professionalism many steps towards that vision have already been taken. Next week the sailing circus hits Marstrand and Stena Match Cup Sweden, an event that is communicated to new venues as a template to learn from and look up to.

Stena Match Cup Sweden on TV4

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 10:24:00 GMT

TV4 recently broadcasted a feature on Stena Match Cup Sweden and an interview with Mattias Rahm and some nice sailing footage. See it here below in the article.

Swedish skippers go for gold in Marstrand

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:19:00 GMT

Just days before the start of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011 some of the Swedish elite sailors shows a strong winning touch, and there are good chances that the trophy stays in Sweden this year. Johnie Berntsson, Björn Hansen, Mattias Rahm, Anna Kjellberg and Caroline Sylvan are the five Swedish sailors participating in this year's regatta. Both Hansen and Rahm have won the event and Anna Kjellberg has ended up in second place twice. On Monday, the match racing duels start on the waters off Marstrand in front of one hundred thousand curious spectators.

Live radio transmission by Mix Megapol at Stena Match Cup Sweden

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:57:00 GMT

In a week from today, Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011 will begin. For seven days, Marstrand will simmer in a rattling sailing and public party. The media partners to the event are sharpening their activation this year and adds great value to the event with creative activities. Never before has the cooperation generated such synergy effects as this year.

Williams champion in Portugal, Berntsson fourth

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:33:00 GMT

With Stena Match Cup Sweden only a week away, Portimão Portugal Match Cup was settled this weekend. Ian Williams won his first World Match Racing Tour event in three years by defeating current Tour leader Bruni with two back-to-back wins in a tight final. Bjorn Hansen followed up his victory in the last event with some strong sailing and finished in 8th place. Johnie Berntsson finished the week...

2011 Promo Video

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:16:00 GMT

Hansen won Korea Match Cup!

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:17:00 GMT

Bjorn Hansen was named king of the Korea Match Cup for the first time today beating Francesco Bruni in a thrilling finale to the third stage of the World Match Racing Tour. Hansenm who Stena Match Cup Sweden in 2007, and his Mekonomen Sailing Team held onto their nerve as the Final went to sudden death, eventually defeating Bruni (ITA) Bruni Racing by three wins to two.

Split second sailing replaces award winning retro style

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:23:00 GMT

"Split second sailing" says everything about the new advertising concept for Stena Match Cup Sweden, which takes place at Marstrand July 4-10. This year, the campaign will display what match racing actually is about. Action, heat of the moment, every second counts.

Gilmour Shines in the Opening Qualifying Session of Korea Match Cup

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Four-time Match Racing World Champion Peter Gilmour emerged as one of the on-form skippers in a feisty first day of racing at the Korea Match Cup. Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing finished the first Qualifying Session with four wins from five races including important victories over fellow countryman Torvar Mirsky (AUS) The Wave Muscat and Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing.

Viltoft won qualification to Stena Match Cup Sweden

Mon, 30 May 2011 14:21:00 GMT

Staffan Lindberg was superior throughout the GKSS Spring Cup and won eight of their nine matches, but in the finals, he met his match in Rasmus Viltoft. The Dane won 2-1 and thereby succeeded to grab the qualifying spot for the World Match racing tour race in Marstrand, Stena Match Cup Sweden on 4-10 July. GKSS Spring Cup was very special this year. Ten runners from five nations was focused o...

First Ever Tour Win for Bruni at Match Race Germany

Mon, 30 May 2011 10:11:00 GMT

Langenargen, Germany: Francesco Bruni has claimed his first ever victory on the World Match Racing Tour after defeating four-time World Champion Peter Gilmour at Match Race Germany on Lake Constance.

Damien Iehl Takes Victory at Match Race France

Mon, 16 May 2011 06:59:00 GMT

Damien Iehl and his French Match Racing Team made the perfect start to their World Match Racing Tour season after defeating Bertrand Pace Aleph Sailing Team in an all French Final at Match Race France in Marseille.

International awards to Stena Match Cup Sweden

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:56:00 GMT

The world´s leading sailing series ISAF World Match Racing Tour has just announced the winners of the 2010 WMRT Awards. Stena Match Cup Sweden took home two awards - Best Audience Engagement and Best Marketing.
"We are very pleased to get such a confirmation that the event is appreciated. And we thank our wonderful audience for the gold medal in Best Audience Engagement. The sailors rarely see such a large and close audience as here in Marstrand, something we know is very appreciated" says Jan Torstenson, CEO of Brandspot

Bruni Targets Top Three Finish in 2011

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:40:00 GMT

Italy's enigmatic Francesco Bruni admits that he needs to learn from the mistakes that hampered his debut year on the World Match Racing Tour in 2010 as he sets out his goal of a top three finish for his Mascalzone Latino team in 2011. Despite being one of the world's most experienced sailors with two America's Cup campaigns and three Olympic appearances to his name, Francesco Bruni knows past performances and reputation count for nothing on sailing's most fiercely fought series.

More sailing and a bigger public party during Stena Match Cup Sweden 2011

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:05:00 GMT

It is time for elite sailing at Marstrand again, in less than three months. Between July 4ht and 10th, the largest public sailing event in Sweden takes place. This year’s event takes both the sailing and the event to a new level with tons of entertainment for everyone.

Video: Johnie Berntsson Discusses Plans for 2011 WMRT Season

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:53:00 GMT

The WMRT boosts media value for the events and partners

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:07:00 GMT

A media return of USD 46m. That is the calculated figure on total media value from global TV, print and digital output from the latest World Match Racing Tour season. Martin Sohtell of Stena Match Cup Sweden and other Tour representatives shares their views on the report and its impact. The media evaluation report from the 2010 World Match Racing Tour, audited externally by Repucom, makes for an enticing read for brand managers around the world.

Radich Confident Of Delivering Knockout Blow On Return

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:40:00 GMT

With one World Tour Championship already under his belt Denmark’s Jesper Radich is confident he can mark his full time return to the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) after eight years away with a knock-out blow and secure a second Championship.

World Match Racing Tour Moves Closer To Adding New Venues

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:54:00 GMT

Since announcing an ambitious expansion plan which will see the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) grow to 15 events by 2013, the Tour has been overwhelmed by the level of interest from potential new host regions and is now in extended talks with 10 venues who are all eager to embrace the benefits of hosting a stage of the Tour.

Summary from Meetingspot February 4th

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:59:00 GMT

Meetingspot gathers the sailing enthusiasts to listen to the latest news from the greatest sailing events of the world at the boat fairs in Stockholm and Gothenburg. It's nice to see the event is appreciated. This year over 200 valued guests attended the 5th Meetingspot at the Boat Fair in Gothenburg:

Coming up February 4th: Meetingspot at the Gothenburg Boat Fair

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:39:00 GMT

As the tradition holds, Brandspot kick starts the sailing season together with the Boat Fair at Svenska Mässan in Gothenburg on February 4th. The seminar and networking forum MeetingSpot promises another exciting meeting with the most initiated profiles from the world of sailing. We will deliver news reports from the world’s largest sailing events, none excluded – Volvo Ocean Race, the Olympi...

Exciting Mix of Tour Card Holders Unveiled for 2011 WMRT

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:10:00 GMT

The line up of Tour Card Holders for the 2011 ISAF World Match Racing Tour has been unveiled and features an exciting mix of former World Champions, established Olympic and America’s Cup campaigners and some of the hottest young stars on the global match racing circuit.

Deadline Approaching for WMRT Tour Card Holder Applications

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:54:00 GMT

The world’s leading match racers have until 5pm (GMT) on Monday 17th January to make the final preparations to their application for a Tour Card on the 2011 ISAF World Match Racing Tour.

WMRT looks ahead after a stellar 2010 season

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:13:00 GMT

Since the curtain came down on the 2010 edition of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) in the most emphatic fashion - on the final day of the final event - the sailing world has been reflecting on a season when the Tour made the headlines both on and off the water, having also made a succession of exciting announcements that will define the future of the series.

Ainslie Wins World Championship

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:57:00 GMT

Britain's Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN has won his first ISAF Match Racing World Championship title by winning the Monsoon Cup on a day of high drama in Malaysia. The three-time Olympic gold medalist was in imperious form at the deciding regatta having staged a stunning late season charge to snatch the title from the clutches of long time series leader Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team.

Dates for 2011

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:07:00 GMT

Here are all the dates for the 2011 ISAF Match Racing World Championship. Stena Match Cup Sweden takes place July 4-10 2011.

Final Leg Of WMRT, Monsoon Cup Welcomes A Royal Sailor

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:11:00 GMT

The Monsoon Cup is set once again to welcome its patron the King of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, His Royal Highness Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billal Shah for the event’s curtain raiser, the Coronation Cup on 30 November, held especially in honour of His Royal Highness.

Stena prolongs its commitment as Title Sponsor of Match Cup Sweden

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:19:00 GMT

After an initial year as sponsor, the Stena Sphere has now decided to become an active long-term partner of Stena Match Cup Sweden. - We have already experienced a great return from the event and feel that this is a perfect forum for us, to be able to gather all our companies in one common project, explains Ulf Ryder, CEO of Stena Bulk.

Monsoon Cup Wild Card Hansen Tips Ainslie for World Championship

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:37:00 GMT

The Monsoon Cup has announced that Bjorn Hansen (SWE), Hansen Global Team, will be the Wildcard entrant for the World Match Racing Tour’s championship deciding finale in Malaysia, which will be staged from 30 November to 5 December.

Minoprio Writes off Williams and Mirsky

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:20:00 GMT

Current ISAF Match Racing World Champion, Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing believes Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar and Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team pose no threat to his quest to win this year’s Championship.

Summary from Meetingspot Sthlm

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:45:00 GMT

On November 10th, the fourth Meetingspot Sthlm-seminar held place at the Scandinavian Boat Show, Stockholmsmässan. With an interesting list of speakers and real time information from ISAF:s annual meeting, the audience got first hand knowledge about the plans for the Olympic Games, Amercia’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, World Match Racing Tour and much more.

LIROS on board with Stena Match Cup Sweden

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:58:00 GMT

LIROS is the latest sponsor of the annual match racing event in Marstrand. The well established rope manufacturer is also represented at the major sailing events worldwide, such as America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and the Olympic Games. Stena Match Cup Sweden will be the first event on Swedish waters that the company engages in.

Hansen won in Berlin

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:59:00 GMT

Swedish match racer Bjorn Hansen won the BMW Berlin Match Race 2010 efter a 2-0 victory againts Markus Wieser in the finals. Originally organised as a one-off event to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the two oldest sailing clubs in Berlin, the VSaW and the BYC, this was the 19th year it has been held. The event has risen to the position of a Grade 1 event and is, together with the Match Race Germany in Langenargen am Bodensee, ranked in the World's highest league in this discipline of sailing.

Meetingspot Stockholm 2010

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:34:00 GMT

For the third year running, Brandspot host the Meetingspot seminar at the Scandinavian Boat Show at Stockholmsmässan. This year's seminar takes place on Nov 10, and includes an interesting mix of speakers with focus on the biggest sailing events in the world: Adam Minoprio, world champion in match racing and co-skipper in the Camper Team for Volvo Ocean Race. Magnus “Mange” Olsson gives us a...

Notification of Host Venue Bidding Process

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:55:00 GMT

World’s Premier Sailing Series Launches Venue Bidding Process The ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), sailing’s premier global match racing tour, has today opened the bidding process for cities, regions and countries from around the globe to enter the race for the right to host a stage of sailing's leading world series.

World Match Racing Tour Maps Future Strategy – Double Bonus Prize Pool, New Host City Bidding Process and New Boat Design Specification

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:59:00 GMT

The ISAF Match Racing World Championship, which is in its 22nd year and is now known as the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), today committed its future to monohull match racing and unveiled its future strategy which has been designed to ensure the growth and sustainability of the discipline.

WMRT Press Conference LIVE 10.30 am (BST)

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:52:00 GMT

Media are invited to join The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), the leading professional sailing series, for a global press conference when key announcements about the international series will be made.

Ben Ainslie victorious in the Argo Group Gold Cup, Berntsson third

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:30:00 GMT

Triple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN put in a sublime performance to add a second Argo Group Gold Cup to his team’s trophy cabinet after a scintillating final against Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team in Stage 8 of the World Match Racing Tour.

Berntsson in Bermuda Quarter Finals

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:07:00 GMT

Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing, Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORGIN and Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar sponsored by Argo Group all face a restless night with the knowledge that at least one of them will be a casualty tomorrow in the final Qualifying Session at the Argo Group Gold Cup. It will cap a remarkable few days in Bermuda, which also saw overall World Match Racing Tour leader Mathieu Richard ultimately knocked out of the competition by Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team.

Minoprio Wins Race of His Life at Danish Open

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:50:00 GMT

Reigning World Match Racing Tour Champion Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing declared his victory over close friend and fierce rival Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team in the final of the Danish Open as one of the best of his life. With the score tied at 2-2 in the first to 3 point series, Minoprio trailed Mirsky in the final match but battled back for the most dramatic victory of his career.

Mathieu Richard Wins the ‘King of the Mountain’

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:38:00 GMT

Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team won the ‘King of the Mountain’ title today in spectacular style, taking a huge stride towards his quest to become the 2010 ISAF Match Racing World Champion.

Hansen has 4-1 in St. Moritz

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:56:00 GMT

The opening day of racing at the St. Moritz Match Race dawned bright but cold, with the surface of the lake covered in a thin layer of picturesque mist. However, the tranquil setting belied the intensity of racing that was to come most notably between the British and French teams.

Stena Match Cup Sweden on SVT web-tv

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:04:00 GMT

The broadcasts of SVT are now published online at SVT Play - check them out in this article.

Stena Match Cup Sweden Features On CNN Flagship Show Mainsail

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:57:00 GMT

The ISAF World Match Racing Tour, the world championship series of head-to-head racing, continues to grab the media spotlight with action from the fifth and most recent round in Sweden providing the focus for CNN’s flagship sailing programme MainSail.

The Monsoon Cup provides incentive for next generation of sailing stars

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:36:00 GMT

Sailors aged 25 and below from outside Asia can compete at Asian Match Racing Championship. A ground breaking initiative announced today by The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) will ensure that young sailors have the chance to compete for a place in the WMRT’s prestigious season ending finale, the Monsoon Cup.

Stena Match Cup Sweden on TV4 Sport 18th July 20:00

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:26:00 GMT

Swedish national TV-channel TV4 Sport is broadcasting a summary of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010 on the 18th July at 20:00. The show will also be rerun on the 19th July at 17:00 and finally one more time on the 25th July at 17:00. Don’t miss the world class sailing action!

Ben Ainslie won Stena Match Cup Sweden

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:05:00 GMT

- Magnus Holmberg third The winner of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010 is Ben Ainslie. The 33 year old British sailing legend, with three straight Olympic golds and eleven World championships in his baggage, collected the victory after winning two straight matches in sun tricky winds against Danish Jesper Radich in the final.

Holmberg Won Third Prize
Flight 3 Final Petit Final Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT

Magnus Holmberg won the third and decisive match about third price in Stena Match Cup Sweden against Australian Torvar Mirsky. Holmberg forced Mirsky into a dramatic fight with many challenges around the tacking marks. Magnus and his team succeeded to read the tricky winds around the Marstrand waters better than Mirsky and although Mirsky tried his best ti jive and tack in order to disturb Holmberg, the experienced Swedish America’s Cup skipper never lost his grip on the match.
Magnus Holmberg, with his brand new mixed team from New Zeeland and Sweden ended up with an honorable third position in the 16th Stena Match Cup Sweden.

Flight 2 Final and Petit Final Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:01:00 GMT

Ben Ainslie is the Stena Match Cup Sweden champion 2010! Jesper Radich won a split start but was instantly penalized. The umpires decided that the penalty had given him an advantage and therefore lifted the red flag. After the Dane had taken the penalty Ainslie was well ahead. With skilful maneuvers and a strong team effort they stayed ahead of Radich. When Ainslie’s team passed the finish line the huge crowds of Marstrand gave the new champions a big hand. In the Petit Final Holmberg won a close split start. Both skippers found great winds on the first upwind. At the first meeting Holmberg had maintained his upper hand and by a couple of great tacks he increased the lead. When the Swedish hope crossed the finish line, and equalized the match, he was four boat lengths ahead.

Flight 1 Final and Petit Final Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:50:00 GMT

Ben Ainslie is just one win away from claiming the first prize in Stena Match Cup Sweden. A good start gave him an advantage over Jesper Radich who wasn’t able to get enough speed out of his DS37. Ainslie on the other hand found lots of wind after tacking out to the right side of the track. He passed the windward buoy over 50 meters ahead of Radich.
With a shorter track than usual it’s crucial for the competitors to get a good start. Torvar Mirsky managed to do just that when he beat Magnus Holmberg in the first match of the petit final. Mirsky won the start and never let go of the lead.

Ben Ainslie - Jesper Radich 1 - 0
Torvar Mirsky - Magnus Holmberg 1 - 0

Flight 4 Semi Finals Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:53:00 GMT

The British skipper Ben Ainslie is ready for the Final where he will stand against Jesper Radich, Denmark. Torvar Mirsky, with confidence from winning the previous match, challenged Ainslie several times in the prestart. One duel ended with a penalty for the young Australian skipper. Ainslie then got off to a good start and took an early lead which he kept till the end. Mirsky will have to battle Magnus Holmberg for the third place. Ainslie on the other hand has a shot at winning Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010 and bring home the prize of 23 500 USD.

Jesper Radich – Magnus Holmberg 3 – 0
Ben Ainslie – Torvar Mirsky 3 - 1

Flight 3 Semi Finals Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:02:00 GMT

Jesper Radich and his crew are through to the final of Stena Match Cup Sweden after winning their third straight match against Magnus Holmberg. After a tight start in which Holmberg had the most speed, Radich chose to sail off to the right side of the track where he found more wind and speed. He gained a lead by a couple of boat lengths. Holmberg never stood a chance during the rest of the race since the distance between the two was too long.

The third match between Torvar Mirsky and Ben Ainslie was every bit as exciting as the previous one. The two skippers challenged each other repeatedly in the prestart which gave a hint to what the crowds were about to witness. Mirsky started with the lead and kept it until the second upwind where Mirsky was penalized after a slight collision. The boats were side by side coming down on the last leg and just before the goal, Mirsky made his penalty spin. Now, Ainslie received penalty for not giving Mirsky enough room to spin and then another one for touching the mark of the finishing line. Mirsky won the race and keeps the semi final alive for at least one more flight.

Jesper Radich - Magnus Holmberg 3 - 0
Ben Ainslie - Torvar Mirsky 2 - 1

Flight 2 Semi Final Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:48:00 GMT

In the second flight of the Open Class Semi Finals the lead changed repeatedly during both matches. Jesper Radich got the upper hand on Magnus Holmberg in the start but the Swede had a fantastic upwind where he managed to pass and set spinnaker first after the rounding. On the following downwind Radich answered instantly and once again took over the match, a lead he kept over the finish line.

The other match pleased the crowds with a huge collision between Torvar Mirsky and Ben Ainslie. Mirsky won the start and chose to sail towards the Marstrand island side. In the first meeting Ainslie had caught up and the match was tight. He continued to gain speed and had the lead in the second meeting. Before the match reached the next rounding the DS 37’s had a close encounter when Ainslie came too close and smashed into Mirsky’s boat. The umpire boat lifted a green flag that meant no penalty. Ainslie kept on increasing his speed and had several boat lengths marginal when he hit the finish line.

Jesper Radich - Magnus Holmberg 2 - 0
Ben Ainslie - Torvar Mirsky 2 - 0

Flight 1 Semi Final Open Class Sunday July 11, 2010

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:01:00 GMT

The semi finals of the open class started off with two thrilling races. Ben Ainslie got off to a good start in his race against Torvar Mirsky. He gained a lead which he protected to the end. But, Mirsky was never far behind and although Ainslie tried luffing him twice on the first downwind, he couldn’t shake him of. After a terrible spinnaker setting by Mirsky at the last rounding, Ainslie was able to increase his lead and won comfortably.

Magnus Holmberg lost his first race against Jesper Radich by half a boat length. After a bad start by Holmberg he later gained on Radich on the first leg and the Danish had troubles with defending his position. Holmberg never gave up but could never take the lead from Radich.

Jesper Radich - Magnus Holmberg 1 - 0
Ben Ainslie - Torvar Mirsky 1 - 0

Skudina Women’s Swedish Champion and Men’s Pick of the Bunch at World Match Racing Tour

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:52:00 GMT

Running in conjunction with the World Match Racing Tour event this week is ‘Women’s Stena Match Cup Sweden’. Ten elite female crews have been racing in Elliott 6m boats that will be used in the 2012 Games. The entry of women’s match racing to the Olympic sailing competition has already dramatically increased the profile of this sport around the world and the ISAF World Match Racing Tour has welcomed paralleling the men’s racing with the women for Stage 5, halfway point of the 2010 Tour.

Holmberg vs Radich in the Semi Finals

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:50:00 GMT

Magnus Holmberg beat Ian Williams in the Quarter Finals by 3-1 and thereby secured his spot in the Semi Finals. In the picking today, the Dane Jesper Radich choose Holmberg as his opponent, before Ben Ainslie and Torvar Mirsky.

Flight 5 Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:59:00 GMT

Ekaterina Skudina won Stena Match Cup Sweden’s Women’s Class. Her opponent in the Final, Renee Groeneveld performed a terrible start where she was early over the starting line. The start gave the Russian a lead of up to ten boat lengths that she conserved all through the last match and thereby won the women’s title of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010. A strong performance by the Russian skipper that came back from a 0-2 score and won the Final 3-2. Congratulations!

Flight 4 Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:35:00 GMT

The heat is definitely on in the final of Women’s Class after a remarkable comeback from Ekaterina Skudina. She won the fourth match of the final and leveled out the score.
Katie Spithill received a penalty in the prestart and Skudina gained an early lead. Yet, Groeneveld was never far behind on the first two legs. After a great second rounding she chose to go off on the left side of the track which turned out to be very successful and by the last spinnaker setting, she had taken the lead. Now, it was Skudina’s turn to strike back and she took back the lead on the last leg and never lost again.

The winner of the Women’s Class of Stena match Cup Sweden will have to be determined in a fifth and final race.

Flight 3 Final and Petit Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:59:00 GMT

It was a close call in the split start between Katie Spithill and Lucy MacGregor in the deciding match for the bronze medal. MacGregor sailed along the Marstrand side and fund better wind which gave her the upper hand. MacGregor then protected her lead all the way to the finish and got a podium position.

In the third flight of the Women’s Final Skudina won a close split start against Groeneveld. On the first downwind Groeneveld almost caught up but through good maneuvers from the Russian team they managed to win and thereby still have a shoot of winning Stena Match Cup Sweden’s Women’s Class 2010.

Flight 2 Final and Petit Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:17:00 GMT

Renee Groeneveld won her second match in a row against Ekaterina Skudina. Groeneveld skillfully managed to steal the Russian skipper’s wind just after the start. Consequently, Skudina lost all the speed she had in her boat and could never catch up. Groeneveld now has a good shot at winning first place in Stena Match Cup Sweden.

Lucy MacGregor leveled out the score in her match against Katie Spithill. The race was tight until the end but Spithill lost after being penalized at the last rounding.

Flight 1 Final and Petit Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:38:00 GMT

In the first flight of the Petite Final Spithill won a slow split start and managed to increase her lead during the two first rounding’s. She kept the distance until the last downwind when MacGregor caught more wind close to the cliffs of Marstrand. Even though it was a close finish Spithill managed to win and now has a 1-0 lead.

Ekaterina Skudina tricked Groeneveld prior to the start in the Final but the Dutch managed to get quickly back in the race. During a close upwind Skudina got penalized when tacking too close to Groeneveld. The two sailors changed the lead during the race but Groeneveld finally sailed first over the finish line.

Flight 3 Semi Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:44:00 GMT

We saw two identical matches in the deciding semi finals of Stena Match Cup Sweden Women’s Class. Ekaterina Skudina and Renee Groeneveld got the final spots by getting more speed out of their boats during the entire matches. The starts were tight and all four teams handled their spinnakers perfectly. Congratulations to Russia and Netherlands!

Flight 2 Semi Final Women’s Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 11:43:00 GMT

The scores are evened in both Women’s Semi Finals after the second flight. Ekaterina Skudina won the start and managed to increase her distance to Katie Spithill throughout the match. Lucy MacGregor won a neck and neck match against Renee Groeneveld.

Celebrity Sparkle at Stena Match Cup Sweden

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:25:00 GMT

Stars from across Sweden have flocked to Marstrand to join the World Class Skippers competing at Stage 5 of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), Stena Match Cup Sweden, for a celebrity race that forms part of the packed programme. The Audi-boat won the race with the alpine national team members Maria Pietilä Holmner and Hans Olsson together with Torvar Mirsky.

Flight 1 Semi Final Women's Class Saturday July 10, 2010

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:02:00 GMT

Katie Spithill and Renee Groeneveld both came a step closer a ticket to the final in their first matches of the semi finals. Both matches were settled from crossing the starting line. Ekatarina Skudina could never challenge Katie Spithill after performing a terrible rounding after the second upwind. Lucy MacGregor fell behind Renee Groeneveld after a false start from which she could never recover.
Katie Spithill – Ekatarina Skudina 1 - 0
Renee Groeneveld – Lucy MacGregor 1 - 0

Places 5-8 Knock outs Open Class settled

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:33:00 GMT

The skippers who lost their Quarter Finals settled places 5-8 in Stena Match Cup Sweden during Friday afternoon. Ian William took fifth place by winning both his matches against Damien Iehl and Francesco Bruni. Bruni ended up as number six after taking one point against Mathieu Richard.

Remaining Runners and Riders for Stena Match Cup Sweden’s Semi Finals

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:38:00 GMT

The mind games commenced on day 3 of 2010 Stena Match Cup Sweden as the quarter finals started with a first to 3 points scenario taking care of semi finals runner and riders selection for Stage 5 of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour. All 8 teams had a tight rope to walk today balancing out joint commitments to both match racing boat positioning and on course strategy looking for the pressure in between shadowed pools near the two headlands.

Flight 5 Quarter Final Women’s Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:12:00 GMT

Katie Spithill and her crew are ready for the semifinals after winning her fifth and final match against Anna Kjellberg. The Swedish skipper had a small lead on the first leg after good starts by both skippers. But Spithill finished the leg with a couple of good tacks and was the first skipper to set her spinnaker. Kjellberg kept close behind but she could never reach her opponent. An impressive achievement by Spithill who came back after falling behind in yesterday’s races. The match ended with two wins for Anna and three for Spithill.

Skippers ready for semifinals:
Katie Spithill
Lucy MacGregor
Renee Groeneveld
Ekaterina Skudina

Flight 4 Quarter Final Women´s Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:42:00 GMT

The Quarter Finals in the Women´s Class continue after being delayed yesterday. The first race for was between Anna Kjellberg and Katie Spithill. In a race without any dramatic turns, Kjellberg couldn´t get hold on Spithill on the last downwind and lost with many boat lengths. The race between Lucy MacGregor and Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen was almost set from the beginning since MacGregor took a comfortable lead and won.

Flight 5 Quarter Final Open Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:31:00 GMT

The last team qualifying for the Semi Finals is Jesper Radich. The Danish crew had a great start that gave them the lead, and they kept it through the whole race all the way to the finish line. This means that Francesco Bruni now is out of Stena Match Cup Sweden.

Flight 4 Quarter Finals Open Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:06:00 GMT

Magnus Holmberg and Torvar Mirsky are ready for the semifinals. Holmberg’s routine paid off on the first leg as he repeatedly found more wind than his opponent Ian Williams. The British skipper was almost ten boat lengths behind at the end of the race.
Torvar Mirsky came off to an excellent start but lost the lead he gained when Damien Iehl caught up to him at the first rounding. But Mirsky kept challenging Iehl and could take back the lead on the third leg.

Flight 3 Quarter Finals Open Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Ben Ainslie is ready for the semi finals after three straight wins against Mathieu Richard. Magnus Holmberg stood for the most impressive comeback so far in this year’s Stena Match Cup Sweden. Holmberg was four boat lengths behind Williams at the first rounding but gained on his opponent from then on. He chose line close to the cliffs and was finally able to pass him on the third leg giving him a short lead and victory in the race. Holmberg now has a good shot at joining Ainslie to the semi finals.

Flight 2 Quarter Final Open Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:22:00 GMT

Magnus Holmberg and Ian Williams had a tight start with many protests. Williams managed to get well ahead of Holmberg but also received a penalty before they split to different sides of the Marstrand waters. After the first rounding they followed the same path with Williams keeping his lead. On the last downwind the two skippers got into a duel that led to a strange finish, where Williams tried to slow Holmberg down in order to take his penalty without losing. After an entering spinnaker dance Holmberg evened the score to 1-1 while Williams took his penalty. Torvar Mirsky won a close start against Damien Iehl. Mirsky then kept the same distance between the boats until the last downwind when they chose to split. Mirsky choice of side was better; he got the best wind and could easily sail over the finish line as a winner. The score is 1-1. In the other two matches Ben Ainslie won over Mathieu Richard, giving him a 2-0 lead and Francesco Bruni equalized the score in the quarter final against Jesper Radich to 1-1.

Flight 1 Quarter Final Open Class July 9, 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:57:00 GMT

The Quarter Final started today with light and steady wind. The teams compete to be best out of three races to qualify to the semi finals. There were two almost identical races in the first flight of the day. In the match against Ben Ainslie, Mathieu Richard received a penalty in the start. So did also Francesco Bruni when dueling Jesper Radich. Both Richard and Bruni took the lead in the last downwind and tried to take their 360 turns penalties respectively, but they both failed and Ben Ainsle and Jesper Radich could win their matches. The only Swedish skipper in the Quarter Finals, Magnus Holmberg, failed to get a point against Ian Williams who lead the whole first race. Holmberg even got a penalty which he took on the finish line.

The Open Class boat draw for the Quarter Final

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:15:00 GMT

After finished Robin Round there are eight skippers left in the competition. For the Quarter Final the skippers have chosen their opponent in the order of the ranking list.

Bookies’ Favourites Slaughtered in Archipelago Angst at World Match Racing Tour

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:01:00 GMT

The wind spun round to the South today at Stena Match Cup Sweden altering the game plan for the final 5 flights of Stage 1 of the event. For some of the smug skippers of the World Match Racing Tour, Marstrand is their home of old and they therefore take clear advantage in the race course knowledge stakes. The change in wind direction enforced shorter legs to races with 3 rounds as the teams tracked the cutting gusts through the rocky outcrop of the archipelago.

Flight 3 Quarter Finals Women’s Class July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:54:00 GMT

Renee Guneveld, Holland and Ekatarina Skudina, Russia are through to the semifinals after three straight wins.

Anna Kjellberg has a good shot at joining them after winning comfortably in her third match against Katie Spithill. Due to a false start by Spithill, Kjellberg had a 30 second lead at the first spinnaker setting. The Australian skipper could never come close enough to challenge her opponent. With a second straight win against Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen, Lucy MacGregor just needs one more point to reach the next stage of the cup.

Renee Groeneveld 3 Anne- Claire Le Berre 0
Ekatarina Skudina 3 Silke Hahlbrock 0
Anna Kjellberg 2 Katie Spithill 1
Lucy MacGregor 2 Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen 0

Magnus Holmberg To Quarterfinals

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:39:00 GMT

Results Stena Match Cup Sweden, Marstrand, Open Class 8/7

Eight sailors are through to the Quarter Finals.

1. Ian Williams,GB , 6
2. Jesper Radich, DK, 6
3. Torvar Mirsky, AUS, 6
4. Mathieu Richard, F, 5
5. Ben Ainsle, GB, 5
6. Damien Iehl, F, 5
7. Magnus Holmberg, S, 4
8. Francesco Bruni, DK, 3

Flight 2 Quarter Finals Women’s Class July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:36:00 GMT

Both Eketarina Skudina and Renee Groeneveld took their second wins in their matches. Skudina sailed very well on the first upwind leg and gained a small lead. After a bad dowsing of the spinnaker, Skudina gave Silke Hahlbrock a chance t get back in the race and the two of them were neck and neck on the last leg. Skudina won with a very slight margin.

Flight 1 Quarter Finals Women’s Class July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:33:00 GMT

The quarterfinals started with four breathtaking duels. Anna Kjellberg and Katie Spithill met in a race which was almost as exciting as when the two skippers met in last year’s final. Spithill had a small lead at the last rounding but the penalty she received on the second lap cost her race. She could never get a lead big enough to get away with a 360 spin.

Flight 5 Open Class Thursday July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:15:00 GMT

The last flight in the Round Robin had one interesting race that everyone followed with excitement. Magnus Holmberg took the last chance to qualify as the only Swedish skipper in the Open Class to the Quarter Final. He won over Reuben Corbett in a duel full of action. Corbett has impressed in the earlier races and had a great start against Holmberg. They changed the lead many times but Corbett had an advantage during most of the race and everyone thought that he would win, but everything changed in the last downwind when Corbett touched the boom after a jibe and received a penalty that cost him a spot in the quarter finals. Holmberg raced to the finish line and won with the whole audience clapping.

The women´s Quarter Finals paired

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:50:00 GMT

For the Quarter final the skippers get to choose their opponent in the order of the ranking list.

Flight 4 Open Class Thursday July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:05:00 GMT

Victories in the forth flight of the day for both Magnus Holmberg and Johnie Berntsson after impressive performances by the two Swedish skippers. Thanks to good work from the crew, Holmberg was in control from start to finish. Thanks to this crucial win, Holmberg still has a shot at reaching the quarterfinal. Jesper Radich is on a winning streak and won his fourth match of the day against Björn Hansen who is still waiting for his first point in Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010.

Flight 3 Open Class Thursday July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:16:00 GMT

The last flights of the round robin stage offered a lot of excitement with a handful of sailors battling each other for a place in the quarterfinals. The first race ended with a surprising win for twenty two year old skipper Reuben Corbett against Peter Gilmour. This means that Magnus Holmberg still has a chance to advance in the cup if he wins his remaining matches. He won comfortably against Johnie Berntsson. Björn Hansen almost got his first win in the cup and had a small lead on the last downwind against Staffan Lindberg but once again lost a tight finishing duell.

Flight 2 Open Class Thursday July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:19:00 GMT

Mattias Rahm lost against Jesper Radich who was in high spirit today. Rahm has now lost his chance to compete in the Quarter final. The most exciting race in the second flight was between Magnus Holmberg and Peter Gilmour, a live or die match for the Swede to get to the Quarter finals, Gilmour having one more win than Magnus. After a split start it was a tough battle, but Holmberg’s mast touched Gilmour’s mast and he received a penalty from the start. He was able to make his 360 turn right after the first rounding. Gilmour succeeded to increase his lead and Holmberg never really had a chance to catch up. Gilmour could add more victory to his score list, moving towards a Quarter Final. The last race was between the two youngest skippers in the competition, Reuben Corbett and Keith Swinton, none of them yet had scored a victory at Marstrand. The race was tight, but Corbett was in better shape today, sailing flawlessly and took his first win.

Flight 1 Open Class Thursday July 8, 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:06:00 GMT

Lighter winds called for a shorter track in the first flight of the day. With an extra lap added to the matches the competing crews were put to the test repeatedly. Peter Gilmour showed excellent maneuvering skills and won his match against Keith Swinton comfortably. Mattias Rahm is going to have a difficult job grabbing a place in the quarterfinals. He never really stood a chance against Francesco Bruni who gained a lead early on. Ian Williams completed his racing of the round robin stage with yet another win. He advances to the quarterfinals with six points and just one loss so far.

Summary of Women's Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:19:00 GMT

Only one Swedish skipper took a place in the quarterfinals in the women’s class of Stena Match Cup Sweden. Anna Kjellberg was hard to beat in the races on Wednesday. Not even Lucy MacGregor, the highest ranked sailor in the world, could stand up against the young Swede who chases a place in the Olympic Games in the new Olympic classed Elliot 6. Lind Rahm lost all hope of reaching a quarterfinal after losing her last match of the day.

Results Stena Match Cup Sweden Women's Class 7/7

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:13:00 GMT

Eight sailors are through to the quarter finals Thursday 8/7 1. Lucy MacGregor, GB, 6 2. Katie Spithill, NZ, 6 3. Silke Hahlbrook, D, 6 4. Anne-Claire Le Berre, F, 5 5. Ekaterina Skudina, R, 5 6. Renee Groenevald, NL, 5 7. Anna Kjellberg, S, 5 8. Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen, DK, 3 9. Linda Rahm, S, 2 10. Trine Abrahamsen, DK, 2

Flight 3 Women’s Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:45:00 GMT

A long day of sailing ended with one of the most exciting matches yet in Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010. In the match between Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen and Linda Rahm, both sailors needed to win in order to make it through to the next round. As it turned out, Linda Rahm came out on the losing end after too many mistakes and bad tacking on the last upwind. Ann Kjellberg won her second match in a row when she beat Lucy MacGregor in a race she first seemed to have no chance of winning. The Dutch skipper, Silke Hahlbrock seems to be enjoying sailing at Marstrand. She finished the round robin stage with just two losses. Hahlbrock won her last race against Trina Abrahamsen who has failed to advance to the quarterfinals, just as Linda Rahm.

Flight 2 Women’s Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:45:00 GMT

Anna Kjellberg secured a place in the quarterfinals. She gained a big lead at the first rounding in her race against Anne-Claire Le Berre. Le Berre lost all her speed just before passing the buoy and was never able to catch up. Lotte Meldegaard- Pedersen was in full control of the match between her and Lucy MacGregor who received an early penalty after touching the buoy at the start.

Flight 1 Women’s Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Two heavyweights sailed against each other in the second race of the flight. The reigning champion of Stena Match Cup Sweden, Katie Spithill went up against the highest ranked skipper in the women’s fleet, Lucy Macgregor. As expected, the race was tight from the start even if both sailors already have secured a place in the quarterfinals. After several baffling duels Macgregor managed to take the lead at the last rounding and never let it go. Anna Kjellberg lost her first race of the day after being having the lead during the whole race between her and Renee Groeneveld. The Dutch crew performed an excellent last leg and Groeneveld showed great maneuvering skills.

Black Swan landed in Marstrand

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:10:00 GMT

One of the younger skippers in the event, Keith Swinton from Australia, 24 years old, is also one of the youth promises from Peter Gilmour’s sailing hub Perth. Swinton was qualified to Stena Match Cup Sweden through a second place in GKSS Spring Cup and is sailing only his third World Match Racing Tour event.

Tormenting Tour Moments at Marvellous Marstrand

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:58:00 GMT

The World Match Racing Tour contenders have now settled into daily winds of 12 – 15 knots running the length of the fjord and unbroken sunlight. Stena Match Cup Sweden’s race course looks as though God himself modeled it on a match racing amphitheatre and has provided the best conditions yet experienced on this year’s Tour calendar. Determined faces lined the skipper’s briefing this morning before the early start to racing with all teams pre-conditioned to take first blood.

Flight 4 Open Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:10:00 GMT

The fourth flight of the day saw the first victory for a Swedish skipper. Magnus Holmberg beat Ian Williams who had a short lead from the start but finally lost due to Holmbergs tactical tacks on the second upwind. In a dramatic finishing duel, Jesper Radich beat Mathieu Richard, taking his second win for the day. The two skippers sailed toward the finish line side by side when Radich forced his opponent to pass the goal on the wrong side of the buoy. Thanks to tactical brilliance, Radich then faught his way past the line as the winner of the race.

Flight 3 Open Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:20:00 GMT

Torvar Mirsky has gotten a lot of speed out of the DS 37 today and won his third race in a row with a big winning margin. Mattias Rahm got off to a good start against Damien Iehl but lost the small lead he had gained after choosing to head out on the left side of the track. This proved to be a bad decision since Iehl found more speed out on the right. Rahm caught up to Iehl on the first downwind but could never pass him and lost his third straight race.

Flight 2 Open Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:04:00 GMT

The second flight of the day continued with two losses for the Swedish skippers. Mattias Rahm had a great start but received a penalty and Mathieu Richard could easily catch up and win the race. It´s the second race in a row where Rahm gets in this situation, eagerness can be good thing but also put him in a complicated seat. Tovar Mirsky took his second unthreatened victory against Magnus Holmberg who didn´t manage to keep the same speed during the race. Ben Ainslie met Keith Swinton in a race that was settled already from the start. Ainsle won by an impressive distance, impossible for Swinton to challenge.

Flight 1 Open Class Wednesday July 7, 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:16:00 GMT

The young Australian skippers Torvar Mirsky and Keith Swinton met in the first race of the day. Mirsky took an early lead and won by several boat lengths. The finish skipper Staffan Lindberg managed to win his first race ever in Stena Match Cup Sweden. An impressing achievement since his opponent was none other than last year’s finalist Mathieu Richard. The spectators are still waiting for the first Swedish victory in the open class. Neither Mattias Rahm nor Magnus Holmberg won their opening races. Rahm had a good position in the prestart in his race against Adam Minoprio but lost it and could never recover. Magnus Holmberg received an early penalty while racing against Ben Ainslie. Holmberg had a small lead at the first rounding but he couldn’t keep a hold of it and Ainslie finally past the finishing line with a comfortable lead.

Minoprio and Gilmour Waver at World Match Racing Tour Stage 5

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:18:00 GMT

The wind switched on early for day one of Stena Match Cup Sweden. The 16 teams were separated into Groups A and B with flights concentrated into one morning race session. Five fast flights were completed in a stable 15 knots with stand out scores from Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team and Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar on a clean 4-0.

Swedish sneak peak of the new Audi A1 during Stena Match Cup in Marstrand

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:09:00 GMT

Audi Sverige has strengthened it’s sailing engagement by becoming a new partner to Stena Match Cup Sweden. Now, when the races have started, Audi takes the opportunity to pre-launch the brand new model – Audi A1 – to all the visitors attending the event.

Flight 4 Women's Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:08:00 GMT

Anna Kjellberg took her third win in the final flight of the day. After intense prestart duels between her and Danish skipper Lotte Mellegard Pedersen, Kjellberg got off to a good start which she kept till the end. She increased her lead on the two upwind legs. Yet, she had troubles using the surfs increasing speed on the Elliot 6 on the downwind legs and Mellegard almost passed her at the second rounding. Linda Rahm never recovered after a terrible start against Renee Groeneveld. She was in desperate need of a point but did not stand a chance against the Dutch skipper and lost with a big margin. Both Ekatarina Skudina and Anne-Claire Le Berre won their races after being in the lead from start to finish.

Flight 3 Women's Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:03:00 GMT

The spectators on the cliffs of Marstrand saw one of the most exiting finishes yet in the third flight when Ekatarina Skudina managed to beat Lotte Meldegard-Pedersen with the smallest margin possible. With the two boats surfing past the finishing line it was too close to call for everyone but the referee. Things are looking up for Linda Rahm and her crew. She took a crucial victory against Trina Abrahamsen which meant her second straight win. Silke Hahlbrock seemed to be heading towards a sure win when Katie Spithill passed her on the last leg thanks to a wave which she skillfully surfed on for well over 100 meters.

Flight 2 Women's Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:39:00 GMT

Linda Rahm broke her losing streak in the second flight when she beat the Russian skipper, Ekatarina Skudina. She took the lead from the start and never gave it away. She has to keep winning from now on to reach the quarterfinals. Another streak was broken when Silke Hahlbrock lost her race against Lucy Macgregor. The previously undefeated Dutch skipper lost the lead she gained at the start during the first upwind and could ever get it back. Still, she kept challenging Macgregor and was just a boat length behind in the end.

Flight 1 Women's Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:37:00 GMT

The first race of the day in women’s class had two thrilling duels with a lot of action. The Swedish sailors Linda Rahm and Anna Kjellberg met for the first time in the competition. Rahm started with a penalty but in spite of that it was an even start and they changed the lead many times during the match. Kjellberg was too eager when rounding the buoy and touched it. This canceled out the penalty score and Rahm took the lead for a short while. Kjellberg then managed to get a good speed and passed the finish line long before Rahm. The second, and even more dramatic duel, was between Anne-Claire Le Berre and Lucy MacGregor. The British crew got their first penalty before the start and Le Berre took the lead and defended it aggressively during the first part of the race. In the last rounding MacGregor attacked the French boat in an impressive way and sailed to the finish line with a well deserved victory.

Flight 5 Open Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:39:00 GMT

Both Ian Williams and Mathieu Richard took their fourth straight wins in the fifth flight. Together, they are the two skippers who have impressed the most so far. Williams finished the day by winning against last year’s champion, Peter Gilmour, in a race he controlled from early on. Gilmour hasn’t showed his full potential yet and has not seemed to get enough speed out of the DS 37. He lost the race against Williams with several boat lengths. Damien Iehl beat Francesco Bruni in a tight race. The French skipper almost lost his lead at the finish line but won with just a few meters. The wind has picked up slightly which promises lots of exciting races as it once again is time for the women to hit the water.

Flight 4 Open Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:44:00 GMT

British skipper Williams has so far mastered the winds brilliantly with three straight wins today. His third win came in a race which first seemed to belong to his opponent, Ben Ainslie, who gained a small lead at the start. However, after a disastrous dowsing of the spinnaker by Ainslie’s crew, they lost the lead heading into the second upwind. With the spinnaker stuck under the hull, Ainslie could not keep up with Williams and was forced to watch Williams heading towards the goal in a comfortable lead. Neither of the two Swedish skippers have won a single race yet. Johnie Berntsson once again suffered from a bad start and Björn Hansen lost his lead to Adam Minoprio on the finishing line. Mathieu Richard has had a good day and took his third win for the day against Damien Iehl. He is now in top of the ranking together with Ian Williams.

Flight 3 Open Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:23:00 GMT

In the third flight, both of the Swedish sailors failed again to get points in the tough competition. Björn Hansen lost against Mathieu Richard who made a perfect start just in time on the starting line. Both boats lost their spinnaker before the second rounding but the French sailors recovered and took a safe lead again. Ben Ainsle easily won the third race over Johnie Berntsson who got a penalty after a protest in the start that cost him several boat lengths after, a distance that was kept through the whole race. The fourth race in flight three got a bit more dramatic. Loud protests came from Torvar Mirsky when Peter Gilmour came from outside the starting buoy and tried to squeeze in, in front of Torvar. That resulted in two penalties for Gilmour and Torvar Mirsky had no problems to win the race after that.

Flight 2 Open Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:44:00 GMT

Bad starts by both Björn Hansen and Johnie Berntsson ended up with losses for the two Swedish skippers. Hansen never stood a chance against Francesco Bruni who had the lead from start to finish. Berntsson on the other hand managed to catch up with Peter Gilmour on the first three legs. They were neck and neck on the last downwind when Bernstsson took a chance and passed Gilmour. But, during this maneuver he received a penalty which in the end cost him the match. Ian Williams took his second point with a comfortable victory against Torvar Mirsky. Damien Iehl also took his second win in a tight race against Adam Minoprio who couldn’t recover after being penalized twice.

Flight 1 Open Class July 6, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:16:00 GMT

Excellent conditions this morning with fair winds and sunshine for the first flight of the open class. A great start for the two French skippers Mathieu Richard and Damian Iehl who both won their opening races. Iehl took an advantage early on in his race against Björn Hansen who could never recover after an early penalty. Neither could Francesco Bruni who was penalized at the end of the first downwind. Jonnie Berntsson seemed to be in control of his race against Ian Williams but after having a small lead from the start he was finally beaten at the finishing line with less than a meter. The reigning champion, Peter Gilmour surprisingly lost his first race of this year’s cup when Ben Ainslie beat him by several boat lengths. The largest victory margin yet.

Top Skippers Out in Force for Pure World Match Racing Tour Perfection

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:16:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup Sweden, Stage 5 of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour, has attracted an abundance of the World’s leading men’s and women’s match racers. They are all magnetized year after year to the racing hot spot of Marstrand for guaranteed packed out days of pure match racing perfection.

Flight 5 Women's Class July 5, 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:20:00 GMT

Silke Hahlbrock finished the first day of racing with a clean sheet after taking her fourth win of the day in the fifth flight. This time against Lind Rahm who has had a rough opening day. Rahm received two penalties during the race and could never really challenge Hahlbrock. After four straight losses, Rahm has to turn things around and perform well tomorrow to get through to the quarterfinals. Trina Abrahamsen got off to a good start in her race against Anna Kjellberg. The Danish skipper then kept the lead till the end even if Kjellberg challenged her repeatedly. The fifth flight also saw the tightest finish yet when Renee Groeneveld beat Ekatarina Skudina with half a boat length thanks to well performed jibe just before the finishing line.

Flight 4 Women's Class July 5, 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:34:00 GMT

Linda Rahm lost her third match in a row, this time against Lucy McGregor after a race in unsteady wind that made a big gap between the boats from the start. The second loss for the Swedish sailors came when Anna Kjellberg lost against Ekatarina Skudina. It was a split start and an even race, but the Russians got an advantage after the last rounding and won the race after a tight battle before the finish line.

Flight 3 Women's Class July 5, 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMT

Silke Hahlrock, Germany, is on a winning streak and took her third win of the day against Russian skipper, Ekatarina Skudina. She continues to impress. Meanwhile, Linda Rahm and her Swedish crew have had a tough of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2010. After two close losses she is in need of a win in the fourth flight to not fall to far behind.

Flight 2 Women's Class July 5, 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:22:00 GMT

After losing her first race Anna Kjellberg got her revenge on her opponent from last year’s final, Katie Spithill in the second flight of the day. Everyone seems to be able beat everyone so far but the German skipper, Silke Hahlbrock impressed by taking her second win for the day. Being the only skipper with two points puts her in the lead but there are many points left to fight for.

Flight 1 Women's Class July 5, 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:31:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup Sweden kicked off with four equally exciting races with less than a boat length between the competitors at the finish line. The reigning champion of Stena Match Cup Sweden, Katie Spithill beat the Swedish skipper Linda Rahm in a race with many tight duels. It’s hard to say which crew impressed the most when none of them seem to make any mistakes. But, one thing is certain; the Elliot 6 may be smaller and lighter than the DS 37 but still offers tons of excitement for the spectator.

YANMAR Racing’s Peter Gilmour is coming to the Stena Match Cup Sweden, an event he has won an amazing seven times, in excellent form.

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 09:09:00 GMT

Last week YANMAR Racing won the fourth event on the ISAF 2010 World Match Racing Tour, the Portugal Match Cup, and as Gilmour says 'that was a good entrée' into the Swedish event.

Launch of Event Application for Stena Match Cup Sweden

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:59:00 GMT

Just in time for Stena Match Cup Sweden, the first Event Guide as an application for iPhone is launched. A complete guide, free to download, with news information, results, calendar, maps, nearby restaurants, public transportation, hotels and much more - everything to maximize the experience at Marstrand. The event starts on Monday, July 5th, and continues with a full schedule of sport and pleasure throughout the week.

Swedish sailors challenge the world elite in Marstrand

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:24:00 GMT

Bjorn Hansen, Johnie Berntsson, Mattias Rahm and Magnus Holmberg. The four Swedish sailors will once again challenge the world’s best match racers in Marstrand next week. The competition is stronger than ever in Stena Match Cup Sweden. The ten highest ranked sailors in the world will be there.

Newlyweds Jöback make their sailing premiere in Celebrity Race

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:15:00 GMT

Peter Jöback will sail for World Childhood Foundation in Stena Match Cup Sweden’s Celebrity Race 2010. Along with his husband Oscar he will challenge the other seven boats crowded with celebrities. Among other specially invited profiles we also find Måns Zelmerlöv, Marcus Samuelsson, Stefan Andersson and Lasse Kroner who all will participate in the Celebrity Race. The famous crews are mixed with the world’s best match race sailors. Photo: Anders Hallberg

Spotlight on Australia in Gilmour v Mirsky World Tour Final

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:41:00 GMT

Finals day for Stage 4 of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour produced an all Australian final with Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team yet again taking on the icon of match racing, Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing.  The ‘Perth Prodigy’, 24 year old Mirsky, did not defend his Portugal Match Cup title from last year as the Master, Gilmour, taught his Apprentice a few new lessons and stepped into the spotlight as the 2010 Portimão Portugal Match Cup Champion.

Vitamin Well new Official Supplier

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:51:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup sweden 2010 is now just days away. The Swedish vitamin drink Vitamin Well is new Official Supplier for the event. www.vitaminwell.se

Largest starting line ever in Stena Match Cup Sweden

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:18:00 GMT

Three new skippers are ready for this year’s sailing highlight of Sweden, Stena Match Cup Sweden, July 5-11 at Marstrand.   Damien Iehl, France, and Reuben Corbett, New Zealand, have been qualified to start in the fifth stage of World Match Racing Tour.  The tenth lady skipper, Trine Abrahamsen from Denmark is also ready for start. A total of 26 skippers are on the line in the largest ever starting field of this race.

Fair winds for Pelle P

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:17:00 GMT

Pelle P is extending its sponsorship with Stena Match Cup Sweden after two successful years. Last year, the family owned company increased its turnover by 40 % to 23 million SEK with a result of 1,8 million SEK. This year, Pelle P estimates an additional growth of more than 50 % and to double the result. During Stena Match Cup Sweden, Pelle P has branded one of the eight boats sailed by the world’s elite in match racing.

World Match Racing Tour Signs 5 Year Agreement with Qingdao

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:22:00 GMT

China is the latest venue to be added to the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) series schedule. ‘Qingdao Match Cup’ taking place between 19th-25th October has been added to the 2010 Tour calendar. During a ceremony hosted at the Yandao Hotel on June 15, the Vice Mayor of Qingdao Municipal Government, Wang Xiulin, who is also the President of the Qingdao Yachting Association and Peter Gilmour, President of the WMRT, signed a five year agreement through to 2014, to host an annual stage of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour.

Junior and Superstar sailors on the same water in Jr Cup

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:48:00 GMT

Jr. Cup, the competition that matches juniors with world class sailors, takes place July 5 to 7 during Stena Match Cup Sweden in Marstrand. The young sailing teams in Jr. Cup consist of three members that develop stronger team communication and leadership abilities.

Monsoon Cup Audit Shows Outstanding Return on Investment

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:07:00 GMT

The Monsoon Cup, the final event on the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), has released positive figures for the Return on Investment (ROI) that the 2009 edition produced. Monsoon Cup is one of the most significant events on the Tour as it hosts the finale of the World Series where the ISAF Match Racing World Champion is crowned.

Richard Reigns as King of Korea Match Cup

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:45:00 GMT

The island of Jebu sitting 2km off Jeongok Marina could once again be seen today as great weather set in for the ultimate day of Stage 3 in the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT). Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team is ‘King of Korea Match Cup’ after racing against the best pool of match racing skippers in the world and concluding Korea with a victory over double World Champion Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar.

Tour Card Holders Command Korea Match Cup

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:33:00 GMT

Swedish sailors Björn hansen and Johnie Berntsson is in tie for a sixth place in Korea, the third stage of the World match Racing Tour. With five won and five lost races Tour card holder Hansen and Berntsson have a good grip on the fight for the quarter finals spots. Adam Minoprio leads Ian Williams, with Peter Gilmour in third place on Day 3.

World elite teams and Olympic contenders in Stena Match Cup Sweden

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:18:00 GMT

This year more sailors than ever from the world’s elite in match racing are starting in Stena Match Cup Sweden. On July 5-11 the fifth out of nine World championship stages in the World Match Racing Tour is sailed at Marstrand, Sweden. Six Swedish top sailors of a total of 16 men and 10 national women teams in the top elite are fighting for the titles.

Team GAC Pindar heads to Match Race Korea

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Former Double ISAF World Match Racing Champion, Ian Williams, heads to the Korea Match Cup this week with his Team GAC Pindar crew, for Stage 3 of the 2010 World Match Racing Tour.<br /><br />Williams, who started his 2010 Tour campaign with a fifth place in Match Race Germany, has secured the support of long term partners, Team Pindar, Capita Symonds and a new partner in global logistics company, GAC. The crew will race as ‘Team GAC Pindar’ for the next three events, up to and including the STENA Match Cup in Marstrand, Sweden.

New partner - Matchracing a good match for the IT-consultant Sigma

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:01:00 GMT

In one month it’s time for Stena Match Cup Sweden, and on this year’s event Sigma appears amongst the boat sponsors. In addition, as the official strategic it-partner Sigma has developed an on-line strategy to integrate the digital communication with the overall experience. - In this exiting stage of development the company is in, it is important for us to involve our clients and co-workers on...

Audi new boat sponsor to Stena Match Cup Sweden

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Audi is a new partner to Stena Match Cup Sweden. With the new sponsorship, Audi strengthens its engagement in sailing also in Sweden. The sailing event is one of ten stages of the World Match Racing Tour. For several years, Audi has focused its sponsor investments in sailing internationally, for example as title sponsor in Audi MedCup and as partner in Kieler Woche. Stena Match Cup Sweden is on...

Stena Match Cup Sweden takes on Olympic match racing

Thu, 06 May 2010 10:00:00 GMT

World Match Racing Tour event, Stena Match Cup Sweden in Marstrand, has appointed the new Elliott 6 as the boat for the women’s class. The decision to use the same racing boats as the Olympic Games in London 2012 will create a pinnacle event for women’s match racing. Women’s match racing, which in the 2012 London Olympics will be sailed for the first time, has developed into the crown sailing...

Stena new title sponsor for Match Cup Sweden

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Stena Match Cup Sweden is the new name of the event Sweden's largest annual international sailing event, Match Cup Sweden, is renamed Stena Match Cup Sweden. The new title sponsor Stena makes a joint sponsorship investment for the entire business group. The new title sponsor Stena has been involved in Match Cup Sweden for a long time. Both Stena Line and Stena Bulk has for many years been boat...

Match Cup Sweden July 5 - 11, 2010

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Match Cup Sweden 2010 takes place during week 27, from the 5th to 11th July 2010. Book week 27 in your calendar today, and enjoy the world class sailing in Marstrand!

Match Race France 2010 Crew List

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The first event of the World Match Racing Tour 2010 takes place in Marseille, France. The following teams and skippers all have the chance to take their first points and the first place of the tour. Adam Minoprio (NZL) BlackMatch Racing Crew: Dave Swete, Tom Powrie, Nick Blackman Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team Crew: Graeme Spence, Tudor Owen, Kyle Langford Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN...

World Match Racing Tour Launches New Website

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), the world's leading professional sailing series, announced the launch of its new website, www.wmrt.com, today. The new website features a fresh modern design, better and more intuitive navigation and a wealth of information about the Tour. The 'multimedia' section starts with the gallery which has been designed to give visitors to the website an easier way to vie...

Björn Hansen got a Card to the Tour

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) today announced the names of the nine Tour Card Holders for the 2010 season. After developing the invite policy introduced in 2009, the WMRT has allocated the Tour Cards for 2010 to: Adam Minoprio (NZL) BlackMatch – ISAF Match Racing World Champion (2009) Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team – Finished 2nd in 2009 Ben Ainslie (GBR) Team Origin – Finished 3rd...

World Match Racing Tour to offer overall bonus prize

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The incentive to compete in the world’s premier sailing series just got bigger. A US$250,000 overall prize pool for the top nine teams with a $50,000 bonus for the outright winner of next year’s World Match Racing Tour is now on offer. Tour Chairman Patrick Lim announced the news at the World Yacht Racing Forum in Monaco in December to add to a tour that already offers the biggest prize money o...

2009 ISAF Match Racing Champion crowned!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The 2009 ISAF Match Racing World Championship was at stake on morning four of the Monsoon Cup, the final round of the World Match Racing Tour in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. When this regatta started Australian Torvar Mirsky and his Match Racing Team crew were number two ranked on the Tour leader board and 12 points behind New Zealander Adam Minoprio and his Emirates Team New Zealand BlackMatch...

Minoprio defeats Ainslie

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT

The Monsoon Cup, the final event of the World Match Racing Tour, with MYR 1.57 millon (approxUS$454,000) prize money was sailed on the Pulau Duyong basin in Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia this week. Yesterday Adam Minoprio and his ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing crew of Tom Powrie, David Swete, Nick Blackman and Dan McLean won the ISAF World Match Racing Championship on the way to the Monsoon Cup finals....

World champion out - Who else?

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Robertson, the world ranked number 25, finished a great morning’s work beating Damien Iehl. WAKA Racing was now 5-3 and heading for the quarter-finals. Robertson's smile was broad dockside. ‘Who would have believed this possibility after yesterday? Actually we were pretty much on the pace yesterday but we made a few silly mistakes. ‘It was just fine tuning. Today we won all our starts and the...

World Match Racing Tour announces 2010 schedule

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Tour schedule will comprise of the same nine events as 2009 starting the year in France in April and ending once again in Malaysia. A refined Tour Invite Policy for the 2010 season will be retained which will reward 9 skippers and teams with guaranteed invites to six events of their choice for the year. “The Tour Card policy was first introduced at the beginning of the 2009 and overall...

Minoprio at the top entering Monsoon Cup

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

World Match Racing Tour leader, New Zealander Adam Minoprio and his ETNZ/Black Match team are on top of their game as they head towards the final event on the circuit this year. A first in the Marseille International Match Race at the start of the season and then another first at St Moritz Match Race in September along with two seconds, one in the Portugal Match Race and the other in the Argo...

Ainslie gets the gold

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Ben Ainslie got the gold he’s been chasing all week. In the Argo Group Gold Cup final today, the three time Olympic gold medal winner (plus one silver), Ben Ainslie (GBR) took the finals 3-1. He has finally etched his name on the coveted King Edward VII Gold Cup along with a host of match race sailing legends. Ainslie and Team Origin also take home the first place prize purse of $50,000. Ainsl...

Match Cup Sweden & MILK won the Swedish Design Award

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The new graphical concept 2009, earlier honoured by a number of design medias, was today today anounced winner of Sweden’s most important design award. The successful retro concept, produced by the agency MILK , won the category “Advertising Print” in the Swedish Design Award. Let's celebrate!

Ainslie, Richard and Williams leads the charge

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

British Olympic Gold medal winner Ben Ainslie was first out of the box in the first match of flight 2 for Group 2 at the Argo Group Gold Cup Wednesday morning. He took the win from Bermuda’s Olympian Paula Lewin-Crews. Ainslie went on to win three matches today. With another first in Tuesday’s dying breeze, he stands at the top of Group 2 with 4-0, four wins and no losses. Following Ainslie in...

New Investors take a stake in the World Match Racing Tour

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Hong Kong - based private company Regal Faith Ltd has acquired from F10 Holdings Ltd their interest in ProMatch Tour Ltd, the exclusive rights holder of the World Match Racing Tour. The investment by Regal Faith Ltd and its consortium of investors based in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia sees the company take an equity stake in the Tour. The consortium is excited to be involved in the sport o...

We are close to the finish line in the Swedish Design Awards 2009

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The final match of the flight. We have just rounded the last buoy and are side to side with the other boat. I f we catch the best wind we will win. And that is where we are in the Swedish Design Awards right now. The last buoy is the nomination; the boat is our new design and communication concept. And the wind – is you! You determine if we win or not. Go to http://captjanster.idg.se/designpris...

Fairytale finale in Denmark, Rahm fourth

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Having had one year out from match racing and the World Match Racing Tour, local hero Jes Gram-Hansen was not top of the list of favourites going into this week’s Danish Open, organised by the Royal Danish Yacht Club. However match racing for Gram Hansen seems to be like riding a bike, especially when it is in the DS37s he started racing intensively during his match race training as a youth bac...

Minoprio crowned "King of the Mountain"

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The last day of St. Moritz Match Race proved to be a tricky one for both the organisers and the competitors. The Northerly breeze was blowing very inconsistently, forcing the Race Committee to cancel many start procedures during the final series between Adam Minoprio (NZL, ETNZ/BlackMatch) and Torvar Mirsky (AUS, Mirsky Racing Team). The final race eventually took place in good conditions...

Match Cup Sweden nominated for double awards

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The new retro design concept that has communicated Match Cup Sweden 2009 and the quality magazine The Island have been nominated for important Swedish design and publication awards. The top class quality magazine The Island, produced by Aller Custom Publishing is nominated for the Swedish Publishing Prize 2009 in the category “Information Magazine”. The winner will be made public the 15th Octob...

Berntsson and Hansen to St. Moritz

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The St. Moritz Match Race will commence from September 1 through to September 6. The coveted ‘King of the Mountain’ trophy will be awarded to the best performing team from the five day match racing event, Mathieu Richard (FRA) and his French Match Racing Team, are the current leaders of the World Championship ranking and second in the ISAF rankings, as well as the current ‘defender’. He won the...

Interview Adam Minoprio; Top of the world rankings

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Congratulations Adam, you've just hit the Top of the ISAF Rankings. How does that feel? Feels like warm apple pie. It seems like your path to the top started at the Monsoon Cup 2007, tell us a bit more about how you put your plan together? Three Years ago BlackMatch Racing was a group of mates that joined together to do some events. We ended up winning the qualifier to the Monsoon Cup 07. We di...

Berntsson to defend Gold Cup

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Johnie Berntsson returns to Bermuda October 6th to defend his 2008 title in the Argo Group Gold Cup. He will be sailing to put his name on the King Edward VII Gold Cup Trophy for a second time in a row. Three other previous champions also return in 2009, Mathieu Richard (FRA), Ian Williams (GBR) and three-time winner Peter Gilmour (AUS). Match Racing begins October 6th on Hamilton Harbour at th...

Top line up at St Moritz Match Race

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The five leaders of the world ranking are confirmed. They will sail – amongst others – against kiwi talent Adam Minoprio and sailing legend Peter Gilmour, who makes an impressive come-back on the World scene after his recent victory in Marstrand. The Grade W St. Moritz match race will take place on September 1 – 6 in the Swiss Alps. Eight members of the world’s top ten are confirmed. The Swiss...

Match Cup Sweden Hall of Fame

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

The First Inductees Match Cup Sweden, part of the World Match Racing Tour, held annually in Marstrand celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and as a part of the celebration the Match Cup Sweden Hall of Fame has been instituted. The names of the first sailors to be voted into the Hall of Fame were announced on the first night of the event this year. They are Magnus Holmberg and Peter Gilmour...

Richard takes pole position on World Tour

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Match Cup Sweden signified the half way stage of the 2009 World Match Racing Tour and, following the Swedish classic, the leader board has seen quite a change. The new leaders, having finishing second place in Marstrand, are the French Match Racing Team of Mathieu Richard. The 20 point gain has resulted in knocking Adam Minoprio’s (NZL) ETNZ/Black Match team off the top spot. Minoprio’s...

World top match racing - the window to sailing

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Here in Marstrand, 118 of the world’s foremost male and female sail racers in match racing have been challenging for the trophies in front of 115 000 spectators first week of July. Match racing at a world top level when it performs at its best, can offer some nerve dazzling excitement of the highest calibre. That has been the case at Marstrand today, when Peter Gilmour for the seventh time won...

Return of the king at Match Cup Sweden

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Gilmour makes it lucky seven with victory over Frenchman Mathieu Richard The arrival of a cold front over night brought clouds and cooler conditions for day 7 of Match Cup Sweden, the 5th stage of the World Match Racing Tour. The early southerly wind made things a little tricky for the Race Management team as they had to set up a shorter three lap course across the fijord. It was Peter Gilmour...

Open Final, Petite-Final, Flight three

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Peter Gilmour did it again, for the seventh time he has won Match Cup Sweden. This time by winning with 3-0 against Mathieu Richard. Gilmour made a great start by catching the wind and going the right path. Then Gilmour went too short on his side, letting Richard take over the action and taking over the lead. Gilmour tried to pass Richard with no luck and Richard kept the distance with one boat...

Open Final, Petite-Final, Flight two

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Gilmour now has a golden opportunity to take home the trophy after a second win in the final. After many tight duels before the start, Gilmour sailed away with a lead. He went both higher and faster than Richard on the first leg. Both skippers kept close to land at the top of the course and after tacking on the lay line, Richard looses almost all his speed. Gilmour increases the lead. His routi...

Open Final, Petite-Final, Flight one

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Gilmour won the first fight in the final, even though Richard led the race all the way to finish line. Richard got the best start with lots of speed, Gilmour tried to close Richard but it didn’t work and Richard took the lead. From that point it was a close race with Gilmour trying to pass Richard. In the last leg Gilmour came close and started to gybe against Richard who wasn’t awake enough an...

Mathieu Richard to the Final

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Mathieu Richard completed an amazing comeback and beat Sébastien Col in the fifth and final race. A race which offered plenty of excitement. The competing skippers took turns having the lead but the e outcome was determined on the last upwind when Richard challenged Col, passed him and then kept the lead until the end. - The last match was very tricky and It’s great to be in the final, the...

Open Semi Finals, Flight four

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

In the fourth semi-final the crowd found their way back to the cliffs of Marstrand. The winds where changing making this flight exciting and unpredictable. Richard, who won the last race, was forced to win yet one more to tie this semi-final, forcing Col to a fifth and final flight to decide who’s going to face Gilmour in the final. Richard was off to a good start, Col didn’t find the breeze....

Open Semi Finals, Flight three - Gilmour through

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Peter Gilmour is ready for the Final after beating Damien Iehl in three straight races. He led the last race from start to finish. Iehl got off to a bad start and never really recovered. Peter Gilmour now has a chance to win Marstrand’s World Match Racing Tour regatta for the seventh time. Mathieu Richard was pressured to win in the third flight having lost the previous two. A task he completed...

Open Semi Finals, Flight two

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:30:00 GMT

The grey clouds are over Marstrand which means more wind. At this Semi final a shorter circuit was used where the sailors had to go three rounds instead of two. In this flight the audience also could see a seal swimming across the course. Peter Gilmour took a steady grip of the Semi final as he won his second match against Damien Iehl. Iehl had a couple of chanses to control the outcome of the...

Open Semi Finals, Flight one

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Peter Gilmour made a bad start in the first flight and was well behind Damien Iehl at the first mark. But, on an amazing second leg, the “The King Of Marstrand” managed to catch up and pass his opponent. Iehl was then punished with a penalty after rounding the mark on the second upwind. Iehl sailed well from there on and took back the lead. He still had his penalty spin to do. Gilmour was never...

Spithill takes the women’s title at Match Cup Sweden

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Australian team steals the show in a five match thriller, but can Gilmour make it a national double? Day 5 of Match Cup Sweden was ladies day with the Women’s semi’s and finals scheduled. The fantastic weather continued today with a 10-12 knot sea breeze from the west north west which enabled a course to be laid right in the middle of Marstrand fjord in front of the VIP pavilion and the masses ...

Women Finals, Flight four

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:00:00 GMT

A race can hardly get any more exciting. In a dramatic start, both skippers made a false start and beared off back to the starting line. Just seconds after, Kjellberg received a penalty in the first tacking duel. Time after time, Kjellberg challenged Spithill, but couldn't catch up after two legs. On the second upwind, the Australian skipper skillfully defended the right side of the course. Th...

Women Finals, Flight three

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Anna Kjellberg had the chance to win Match Cup Sweden 2009 in the third final flight; all she needed was one more win against Australian Katie Spithill. Kjellberg who had won the first two matches looked confident and Spithill really needed to pull something special out of her sleeve to win. The pre-start was tough and both sailors where fighting to gain the best position. Kjellberg wasn’t...

Kjellberg closer to the trophy

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I love Marstrand, shouted Anna Kjellberg from her race boat after getting one step closer to the trophy. Linda Rahm wins third place in the competition after another win against Lucy Macgregor. The Swedish skipper got a huge lead from the start as Macgregor was given two penalties before the start. Rahm had a lot of speed as she passed the line while Macgregor chose to perform her first...

Women Finals, Flight one

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:30:00 GMT

The first final (best out of five flights) was exciting. It was a hard fight in the pre start where Katie Spithill forced Anna Kjellberg to a false start and everybody thought that the race was over. But Kjellberg showed a great fighting spirit and sailed passed Spithill on the first leg. Spithill would have none of that and also tried to pass. But in the end there was nothing that could stop...

What's up on the cliffs of Marstrand

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

This weekend, some ten thousands of people will follow the last two days of match racing from the cliffs of Marstrand. Matchcupsweden.com took a seaside walk and asked a few of them what they think of the event so far. What do you think of the event so far? Magnus Lévicki, 68 - San Francisco The whole competition is a highlight of the summer. Marstrand is a fantastic venue and I have been comin...

Women Semi Finals, Flight Four

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Kjellberg and Spithill to the Women's Finals. Rahm had the chance to even the score in her semi-final against Anna Kjellberg. They both tried different tactics to gain advantage in the start and Kjellberg was the most successful of them and got the lead closely followed by Rahm. They both raced to the first buoy and both made excellent spinnaker settings. They both fought hard and Rahm got by b...

Women Semi Finals, Flight Three

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Lucy Macgregor is still in the race after winning the third race of the semifinals. Now, the score is 2-1 to her opponent, Katie Spithill. Spithill was over the line at the start and was forced to fall back in order to pass the line again. Nevertheless, she sailed well after that and although Macgregor kept the lead for the rest of the race, she won with a very small margin. Spithill attacked h...

Women Semi Finals, Flight Two

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:30:00 GMT

In the second match in the women’s semis they decided to make the course longer and the wind started to blow a little bit more. As always after the first match, the teams changed boats. In the match between Linda Rahm and Anna Kjellberg the later had to minimize her mistakes in order to tighten up the score. The match kicked off and Rahm got a good start, making Kjellberg lying still at the...

Women Semi Finals, Flight One

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Light winds this morning caused one hour's delay to the women’s semifinals. And on a short track like this one, there is no room for mistakes. Linda Rahm suffered from this when she on the first down wind was passed by Anna Kjellberg who skilfully took the wind out of her opponent’s spinnaker. Kjellberg then kept the lead and took a small hold of this best out of five races. Katie Spithill cho...

Final day in Women's Class

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Saturday is the big day in the Women’s competition. British Lucy MacGregor and Australian Katie Spithill are challenging the Swedish star sailors Linda Rahm and Anna Kjellberg in the Semi finals 9-12 a.m. The Finals will take place in the afternoon, and at least one Swedish opponent will challenge one the world’s best female sailors.Here is the pairing list of the day: Flight Match Skipper Boat...

Races from 5th to 8th place

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Magnus Holmgren grabbed the fifth place in the competition when he beat Torvard Mirsky in his last race for the day. Johnie Berntsson ended the day with a win against Philippe Presti. 5. Magnus Holmberg 6. Torvar Mirsky 7. Johnie Berntsson 8. Philippe Pesti Claire Leroy left the tournamnt in style when she beat Nicky Souter in the race. The danish skipper Lotte Meldegaard Pedersen won against...

Pairing 5th to 8th places

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Even though they didn’t make it to the semi finals they still have a lot to sail for. The competition for the places 5-8 for both men in the Open class and Women will take place Friday afternoon. Match one Open class is Torvar Mirsky versus Johnie Berntsson. Match two Open is Magnus Holmberg versus Philippe Presti. Match one Women is Claire Leroy versus Lotte Meldgaard Hansen. Match two is...

Berntsson’s mistake gave Gilmour victory

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

As it turned out, only a mistake could stop Johnie Berntsson’s from winning the Quarter Finals of Match Cup Sweden the over King of Marstrand, Peter Gilmour. Score was 2-2 and Berntsson and his eminent crew had won all starts, sailed faster and more tactically right but made that one mistake that an old fox like Gilmour quickly used to steal the victory from Berntsson, who now is out of the...