Sailing Bow to Bow

2011-02-18T20:06:00.006+08:00

My Sailing Year End Report

2010-12-28T09:26:00.007+08:00

Dear blog,

I have not been writing much here, as I have been focussing on the Koo Racing Team blog and web site. I am trying now to fill in all voids that I have left out here,

After winning the Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2010, I was then involve in the annual Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta which our team Mata Hari came in 3rd in our class, it was exciting as usual, racing againts kuku kerchu , rapscallion and now piccolo.
Sadly skandia one of our RSYC club boat was written off at phuket race week, the same happened to rapscallion in the recent Phuket's King's Cup. Written off as in both are wrecked now.Rapscallion beached
Skandia on the Rock

This is not good news for the club 's already declining fleet of yachts.

At the end of the year, we competed in the Monsoon Cup, it was tough, we were much better at the prestart winning atleast 3 to4 of them but we just couldnt sustain the pace, as others match racing team shows their class, and I personally identified it as course reading, their course reading and placement were exceptional, its not just separating the course side to good side or bad side, it also invlove determining when the bad side can be a good side which most probably will stay a good side for a few minutes unless you find another puff.

Anyway it was a good experience, showed us what we lack, we will try to do more match racing in 2011 and hope to receive more sponsors to aid us in our endeavor to be a top match racing team.

In 2011, First Stop Royal Langkawi International Regatta, I will be sailing with Rolf (Team ViewPoint)on a Platu

Sean

KooRacingTeam.Com

2010-12-20T13:32:00.001+08:00

http://kooracingteam.com/V1/index.php
http://kooracingteam.com/V1/

List of Match Race Grade 3 / 4 Asia Pacific Events for 2010/2011

2010-12-06T18:43:00.004+08:00

List of Grade 3 events

Now that I am back from the Raja Muada International Regatta and the Monsoon Cup 2010.

I am back to this blog,
Our Team had a very good learning experience at the Monsoon Cup. Though we did not win any races, we did win 4 pre starts and lead the race but we couldnt sustain.

We need more experience, so I am going to list out all grade 3 events from the ISAF site from 2010/2010 and hopefully we can go join those competition next year, gaining ISAF ranking points and experience

14th Asian Sailing Championship 20/03/2010 29/03/2010 Guangzhou (CHN)
Korea Match Cup Qualifier 06/05/2010 07/05/2010 Gyeonggi (KOR)
Match Race Thailand Spring Cup 1 05/06/2010 05/06/2010 Pattaya (THA)
Match Race Thailand Spring Cup 1 06/06/2010 06/06/2010 Pattaya (THA)
IODA Asian Championship 03/07/2010 11/07/2010 Pattaya (THA)
Match Race Thailand Cup 3 18/09/2010 19/09/2010 Pattaya (THA)
Malaysian Match Racing Championships 20/10/2010 23/10/2010 Terengganu (MAS)

Monsoon Cup 2010 Round(Stage 1) Pairing List

2010-12-01T09:21:00.001+08:00

Click on the Image for a larger View

Monsoon Cup 2010 - 10 skippers confirmed

2010-11-03T01:21:00.002+08:00

WITH less than 30 days to go before the Monsoon Cup starts, 10 skippers have confirmed their places in the season-ending World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) with two more places still up for grabs.

The final qualifier will be determined at the Sunseeker Australia Cup on Nov 24-27 while the Monsoon Cup organisers will announce a wild card soon to complete the 12-sailor lineup who will compete in Kuala Terengganu.
The 10 skippers are France’s tour leader

Mathieu Richard (French Match Racing Team),
New Zealand’s Adam Minoprio (ETNZ/Black Match Racing),
Ian Williams (Team GAC Pindar),
Great Britain’s Ben Ainslie (TEAMORIGIN),
Australia’s Torvar Mirsky (Mirsky Racing Team),
Denmark’s Jesper Radich (Radich Racing Team),
Italy’s Francesco Bruni (Azzurra) and
Australia’s Peter Gilmour (YANMAR Racing), together with
Malaysia’s Jeremy Koo (Koo Racing Team-Evernew) and
New Zealand’s Phil Robertson (WAKA Racing).

Monsoon Cup operations manager, Muhamed Shafique Mohamed Iqbal, said: “It is going to be an exciting 30 days before the Monsoon Cup.”

The Monsoon Carnival, which started on Oct 1, is also a move by the organisers to promote the event in all seven districts of Terengganu.
The event kicked off in Jerteh, Besut on Oct 1-2 before moving to Permaisuri, Setiu on Oct 8-9. It was followed by Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu (Oct 15-16) and Kemasik, Kemaman (Oct 22-23).
Upcoming events are in Marang (Fri-Sat), Dungun (Nov 12-13) and Kuala Terengganu (Dec 1-5).

“We are delighted the public has been supportive of the carnival and I’m sure they will flock to the main carnival which will coincide with the staging of the Monsoon Cup,” Shafique added.
Shafique confirmed that more side events for the Monsoon Cup are still in the planning stage and will be announced shortly.

Source & Credits

Read more: 10 skippers confirmed http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/10skippersconfirmed/Article#ixzz149A0BeFf

Mathieu Richard in Confident Mood Ahead of the Monsoon Cup

2010-11-02T00:41:00.003+08:00

London, UK – 1 November, 2010

Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team, is in buoyant mood ahead of the World Match Racing Tour’s decider event, the Monsoon Cup, confident in the belief he can exploit the weaknesses of his nearest rivals to win the Match Racing World Champion title that has so far eluded him.

Richard, said: “We are in great form and getting ready for the Monsoon Cup. We’ve had a great season, with three victories and five podiums and we’ve been leading the world ranking throughout the year so yes, our goal is definitely to win. This title is very dear to us. The ball is now in our camp and it is our duty to get the job done!”

Read more on Richard’s thoughts about Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing and Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN as well as his preparations ahead of the Monsoon Cup (30th November to 5th December 2010) at www.wmrt.com
http://www.wmrt.com/news/90-2010-news/11404-mathieu-richard-in-confident-mood-ahead-of-the-monsoon-cup.html

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 8 of 9)
1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 105 Points
2. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 90 Points
3. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 88 Points
4. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 76 Points
5. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar sponsored by Argo Group 72 Points
6. Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team 60 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 53 Points
8. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 51 Points
9. Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team 33 Points
10. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points

Source and Credits
WMRT.COM

Contest : Celcom's Blackberry Torch 9800 Smartphone

2010-11-01T17:21:00.004+08:00

Having owned 3 blackberry phone before, a Pearl, Storm and Storm 2. I am excited that Blackberry Torch is finally here and I hope it will ends my jinx with blackberry phones!!!

My first blackberry a pearl was nice and compact but water came into the boat when i was sailing a platu, basically my pearl was submerge in the sea water,so it couldn't be saved at all

My Storm was great, lag-gy at first but with continuous OS update from Blackberry it became great until I ripped the touch screen off accidentally.

My Storm 2 then came into the picture, It was great and better than an Iphone, I was just waiting to update it to Blackberry OS 6 and then someone stole it from me =( .

Days after that was difficult as I try to cope with using another smart phone..receiving emails wasnt that great on my nokia e72 and that eventually made me gave up on it, and I heard it wasn't too great either on an Iphone (for receiving emails) and most of my friends had to turn emails off to avoid unexpected data cost. I never had that problem using a blackberry, for blackberry service always compress the emails, and I have never exceeded my usage having received mails from my gmails, my hotmails and also my corporate mail server on my blackberry before.

That kinda prompted me to look at blackbery again and Celcom's deal is looking really really good at the moment!

The Blackberry Torch 9800 comes installed with the latest OS 6 , and ofcourse the 1st smartphone with a BlackBerry® keyboard and full 3.2 inch touch screen

The Launch Event was at 29th October 2010, plenty of crazy deals was given.

Don’t fret if you missed the event, you can get the Celcom Blackberry Torch & enjoy affordable prices plus the widest coverage with Celcom, Malaysia’s No.1 Blackberry community – in any Blue Cube outlet nationwide - from 3rd November 2010 onwards!
• Get Celcom Blackberry Torch and enjoy great savings when you sign up with Celcom postpaid plans! Check out which package below suits your needs:

• Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own the new BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 this with amazing features such as:
- The 1st smartphone with a BlackBerry® keyboard and full 3.2 inch touch screen for an enhanced device experience.

- Maximized multimedia with 8 GB of memory, expandable up to 32GB with a microSD card, zoom effect by a pinch of your fingers and enhanced music player to view full album art and track listings.

- 5 MP camera with flash, continuous auto-focus and image stabilization, plus 11 photo modes and video recording

- Integrated social feeds to update multiple social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Buzzd and much more with a single post or gather and filter all your social network and feeds in one view.

- Faster, richer browsing to manage multiple open websites with tabbed browsing as well as bookmark all your favourite sites

What’s more? You can stay ahead with Blackberry on Celcom – the fastest, widest, clearest mobile network!

• Not all Blackberries are the same – Celcom Blackberry gives you the best deals in town and the widest coverage wherever you go!
• Celcom is Malaysia’s No.1 Blackberry community, with the best Blackberry smartphones and plans!
• Enjoy absolute savings with Celcom Blackberry smartphone packages to help you stay connected while you’re on the go! Check out our affordable package plans for various other Celcom Blackberry smartphones to suit your needs @ http://www.celcom.com.my/celcomexec/blackberry/bbtorch9800.php!

Robertson Books his Ticket to the Monsoon Cup

2010-10-29T15:53:00.002+08:00

Terengganu, Malaysia, 28 October 2010

Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing put in a sublime performance against the emerging talent of David Gilmour (AUS) Team Gilmour to win the Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC) and book his place in next month’s World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) finale event, the Monsoon Cup.

Gilmour, son of four-time Match Racing World Champion Peter Gilmour, had the upper hand on Robertson earlier in the week at the five-star Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa in Pulau Duyong having triumphed over him in both qualifying matches. It was howeverthe defending Champion Robertson who masterfully defeated his nearest rival 2-0 in the final.

Robertson will now join Jeremy Koo (MAS) Koo Racing Team-Evernew - winner of the Malaysian Match Racing Championship (MMRC), the top eight skippers in the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) standings, the winner of the upcoming Sunseeker Australia Cup and one wildcard entry for the Monsoon Cup which takes place from 30th November to 5th December at the world class Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa.

A delighted Robertson said: “This year’s competition was so much harder to win as the skill level of all the skippers has gone up tremendously. David was a worthy opponent as he beat me twice in the qualifying sessions, but I think my experience of taking part in more match racing events around the world was the deciding factor. My crew performed tremendously and got better as the event went on.”

Looking ahead to the Monsoon Cup, Robertson was in buoyant mood: “I was sixth last year but am confident of doing better this year,” said Robertson. “I will be taking part in two events before the Monsoon Cup and it will certainly help me sharpen up my skills.”

With the Match Racing World Champion crown and a large slice of the USD475,000 prize money on the table at the Monsoon Cup on the table, the thoughts of the top 5 teams in the WMRT standings will be very much focused on Malaysia. Only 17 points separate the top three teams of Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team, Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing and Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN. With the Monsoon Cup offering 1.5 times more points than a standard WMRT race, that 17 point gap is easily closed with the winner set to scoop 38 points and the remaining places the following: 30 (2nd), 22 (3rd), 18 (4th), 15 (5th), 12 (6th), 9 (7th), 6 (8th).

Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team and Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar are fourth and fifth in the series and still in with a mathematical chance of winning but will need results of their opponents at the Monsoon Cup to go their way.

Asian Match Racing Championship - Final Standings
1. Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing
2. David Gilmour (AUS) Team Gilmour
3. Wataru Sakamoto (JPN) Team Siesta
4. Reuben Corbett (NZL) MAF1/Black Sheep Racing
5. Peter Nicholas (AUS) Freshie Racing Team
6. Graeme Sutherland (HKG) Team Hermes
7. Mark Lees (GBR) Team ECHO
8. Tan Wearn Haw (SIN) SINYIDAI
9. Neil Semple (THA) Capital TV

About the Asian Match Racing Championships (AMRC)

At its debut in 2006, the AMRC saw participation from five regional teams, including from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, racing in the world-class Pulau Duyong match race circuit, which is also the venue for the Monsoon Cup.

Last year saw a massive increase in interest with over 30 international teams applying for a chance to compete. But only seven selected teams were racing in the AMRC, including two from Malaysia. Now it has grown to include the participation of youths under 25 from around the globe.

Asian Match Racing Championship Winners:
2006 - Adam Minoprio (NZL) – BlackMatch Racing
2007 - Adam Minoprio (NZL) – BlackMatch Racing
2008 - Keith Swinton (AUS) – BlackSwan Racing
2009 – Phil Robertsson (NZL) - WAKA Racing

Source & Credits
WMRT.COM

Winning The Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2010 (MMRC) Monsoon Cup Qualifier

2010-10-26T10:14:00.008+08:00

Summary of our Days at Kuala Terengganu

We won the Championship last weekend at Kuala Terengganu, everything looks so easy on the news we were kinda portrayed liked it was an easy win but was it?...
It wasn't.

The level of match racing in Malaysia keep increasing every year, and the event were much more worthy of the grade 3 event tag compared to the years before. Winning it was an uphill task and here is our account...

Despite not being the defending champion we have always been one of the firm favorites to win it. For on paper every single crew member have won something on their own or with the team .

On day one and two, we were rusty and nervous, almost throwing our first race away. We also took a lot of penalties and even received a black flag on day one. We tried to improve on day two but our progressed was slow but was lucky to end the day winning 3 matches in a row and also taking a race off the defending champion

On day 3, we identified 2 weakness, our speed was not up to the par in the light wind, and we were too aggressive in trying to get other teams penalty. So we took some measure in overcoming the weakness, we made 2 rules, rule 1 we are not allowed to point at all today and rule 2, we remained aggressive but avoid contact with
another boat at all cost.

It started really well, until we gave away 2 races in a row, putting us in a very vulnerable position. We had to win the remaining 2 matches for a spot in semi final, winning one race only may tie us at 9 point with Tiffany and Razali but we will lose out on count back.

so it was risky, but the matter are still on our hand, and we could not rely on others result as we starts early for the last two flight.

We hold on to our breathe and made it. Winning the race against the defending champion and the finalist of MMRC 2009. Both races we won the pre start and lead from the start to the end.

After racing two round robins we begins to feel weary and tired, but despite that we were convinced we are fitter than the other teams and in the semi final against Nik, we took first race without any problem, on second he was late on the pre start, we made most of the opportunity to give him a penalty and he ended up with a black flag.
On the last final race, the pre start was pretty neutral with Nik reaching the windward mark first, we pressed on, and was unfortunate to be penalized for not giving him enough room when we passed by a navigation buoy where our spinnakers touches.

Yet we were not nervous, we tailed him closely, and manged to get under him near windward mark, luffed him up just enough to give us space , while he had bear off to round the mark, we gybe and bear off to offset our penalty inside him...that was our best move in the MMRC2010, we came back side by side heading towards the finishing line, a gybing battle ensued and we came out on top to win the race!

On the Final race, the wind continues to blow, Tiffany started the race really well, we knew her team was tired, and engaged her in a taking duel. We were spot on as she loses out about 2 boats length after few tacking. Knowing that we can take advantage of her weary crews. We continuously engage her in the next two races. We were really tired too but we had our game face on. We were relieved at the end of the day for managing to live up to our team's name.

Notification of Host Venue Bidding Process

2010-10-25T23:32:00.000+08:00

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.

WMRT is an exciting and spectator friendly discipline with leading skippers and their teams taking each other on in short, sharp, high adrenalin, head-to-head battles in identical boats. Recognised by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with special event status, WMRT is a professionally managed tour currently consisting of nine events worldwide. The Tour culminates in the crowning of a World Champion.

The bidding process, which will be managed by venue acquisition consultancy Regatta International, will see six new venues selected to join the Tour from the 2012-2013 seasons. The new venues will win the right to hold a World Championship stage, each lasting for 5 days.

Cities, countries and regions interested in finding out more about WMRT, the benefits associated with being a host venue, and what the application process is, can find full details and register their interest at http://application.wmrt.com/

Commenting on the opening of the bidding process, WMRT CEO Jim O’Toole commented, “The World Match Racing Tour is a well proven marketing platform for destinations wishing to showcase their facilities, infrastructure and organisational capacities, increase their international tourism profile and attract inward investment."

“We are currently undergoing an intense period of expansion and are looking forward to partnering with venues who share our ambition. We have already fielded strong levels of interest from potential venues and by opening up the bidding process we’ll be requiring bidding venues to meet certain criteria."

“These will range from essential requirements such as proving they can ensure good winds, to logistical, marketing and financial commitments, as well as guaranteeing they can provide the level of infrastructure associated with a world class level sporting event.”

Regatta International’s Director Terry Newby said, “The World Match Racing Tour is already one of sailing’s most respected brands with outstanding events around the world. The opportunity to work with interested parties to develop the series to 15 stages by 2013 is a hugely exciting prospect.

“Over the past 10 years WMRT has developed into a very well organised series which attracts top class sailors while drawing a huge global audience and media footprint. The benefits for venues looking to host a stage are numerous, ranging from strong economic returns to developing international awareness. We look forward to collaborating with bidding cities to maximise their chances of success.”

For further information contact:
World Match Racing Tour
Name: Jim O’Toole
Tel: +44 7921 020845
Email: jimotoole@wmrt.com

Regatta International
Name: Terry Newby
Tel: +44 61 413644287 or + 60 173382144
Email: terrynewby@regattainternational.co.uk

Credit & Source
WMRT.com

Check Out Koo Racing Team Blog

2010-10-25T18:53:00.003+08:00

http://kooracingteam.blogspot.com/.
As this is my personal sailing race log,

For Koo Racing Team News please visit
http://kooracingteam.blogspot.com/.

So do follow the blog for news on KRT!

Thanks
Sean

MMRC- 2010 Monsoon Cup Qualifer Round Robin 1 & 2 Results

2010-10-22T22:53:00.003+08:00

Click on the image for larger view

MMRC- 2010 Monsoon Cup Qualifer Round Robin 1 Pairing List

2010-10-20T13:26:00.004+08:00

Generally a good pairing for our team, with us only taking the stronger teams towards the end of the Round Robin.

Round Robin 1

Flight 1

Elia 0 Hazwan 1
Jerome 0 Nik 1
Masyuri 0 Tiffany 1
Rizal 0 Jeremy 1

Flight 2
Jereome 0 Tiffany 1
MAsyuri 0 Jeremy 1
Elia 0 - Razali 1
Rizal 0 - Hazwan 1

Flight 3
Jeremy 1- Jerome 0
Razali 1- Nik 0
Rizal 0- Elia 1
Hazwan 1- Masyuri 0

Flight 4
Rizal 0 - Razali 1
Mahsyuri 0 - Elia 1
Hazwan 1- Jerome 0
Nik 0 - Tiffany 1

Flight 5

Elia 1 - Jerome 0
Nik 1 - Jeremy 0
Tiffany 0 - RAzali 1
Masyuri - Rizal

FLight 6
Tiffany 0 - JEremy 1
HAzwan 1 - Nik 0
Razali 1 - Masyuri 0
Jeremoe 0 - Rizal

HAzwan 5
Razali 4
Jeremy 4
Elia 3
Tiffany 3
Nik 2

To Race

Flight 7
Jeremy - Razali
Jerome - Masyuri
Elia - Nik
HAzwan -Tiffany

FLight 8
Razali - Jerome
Tiffany - Elia
Jeremy - Hazwan
Nik - Rizal

Flight 9
Nik - Masyuri
TIffany - Rizal
Jeremy-Elia
Razali-Hazwan

3 days before Monsoon Cup Qualifier and We are Kings of Broga Hill !

2010-10-17T18:13:00.009+08:00

3 days more, and we decided we needed some fresh air, something that would inspired us.
We decided to wake at 5 am in the morning, and drive all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Broga Hill, Semenyih to catch the Sunrise

Hiking up was not easy for the wrong reason, good spot always means lots of people and Broga Hill is just that lots of people.

Although reaching the bottom of the hill at 6am in the morning, there were already packs of people ahead of us. And passing them to be on time for sunrise was our mission.

Thinking back, waking up early wasn't easy,but today its one of those days, we made up our mind or a more exact phrase, we made it a point we are going to be inspired today and we are going to do just that.

Oh boy it was worth it.The few hours of extra sleep replaced by a breathtaking view of calmness . The view was just what we needed, while the hike up with lots of avoiding people maneuver brings out the determination in us.

By end of the day we have already receive news of the confirm teams, the list was not much of a big surprise, with only one new team from Putrajaya. We welcome them and hope they will enjoy match racing.

We also heard there were a lot of sun and wind in the afternoon ,and that kinda contradicts to the weather forecast of Kuala Terengganu, where lots of rains was forecast-ed. What ever the weather condition we do hope it blows there.

See you guys at the Monsoon Cup Qualifier.

WMRT- Press Conference, More events and double the prize money

2010-10-15T10:51:00.007+08:00

With the recent announcement that catamaran would be used for the America Cups.
WMRT took their opportunities well, announcing that 6 Tour Event would be added and the prize money pool would be doubled from 250k USD to 500k USD.

The Match Racing events has always been deemed as a feeder events to the America Cups, This I believe has always been the main attraction of it, although the America Cups is using Catamaran now, still..its always still going to be a feeder events, or at least one of the feeder events for America Cups.

But with continuous promotion effort from the WMRT, the increased of prize money and tour events all over the globe, I believe they are moving away as just being a feeder event.

I personally feel that WMRT will do well, all because it offers accessibility which allows more participation from fellow sailors and that will generate the feeling of affiliation to it. And people going to follow it, because someone you know are involve in it, I believe they are 18 qualifying events, correct me if I am wrong, with at least 1 qualification event for each Tour events.

Now that Match Racing for Men is already in Asian Games, I can only see more Tour Events being held in Asia. And I am waiting for that to happen.

Sean Ong

3 Teams from Royal Selangor Yacht Club will participate in the National Qualifier for Monsoon Cup 2010

2010-10-05T00:13:00.005+08:00

16 days before the qualifying, the Royal Selangor Yacht Club has always been very supportive of the Malaysian Match Racing Championship. Where we have been well represented every year since 2006 with the exception of year 2008.
In 2006 we were represented by 2 Teams, in 2007 3 Teams, In 2009 4 Teams
and this year 3 Teams !

Tom will be taking helm in Team RSYC,

Tiffany Koo will be taking helm in Koo Racing Team and Jeremy will be taking helm in Koo Racing Team Evernew !

We will face Teams from around Malaysia, these Team will will definitely give us a run for our money.

Last Year Winner Hazwan, with his Silver Match Race Team

Last Year Finalist Elia with her Sail Putrajaya Team

and Semi Finalist Razali from the Malaysian Armed Forces.

Other Team We May see include a Team from MYA, which could be represented by Masyuri. He is the Asian Games representative of Malaysia who may use this as his practice ground before leaving for Asian Games,

A Team from Johor and a Local Team from Terengganu.

So we May only sees 9 Teams only this time around.

Live and Breathe The Thrilling Argo Group Gold Cup Action

2010-10-01T21:53:00.003+08:00

-WMRT NEWS-

London – 1 October – The one-on-one battles, heated rivalries and twists of fate which embody the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) will be played out on the waters of Hamilton Harbour, Bermuda next week at the Argo Group Gold Cup where the introduction of a mobile website and live blog with audio feed promise to bring the action closer to fans than ever before.

The Argo Group Gold Cup 2009. Photo - Charles Anderson

The WMRT is already well-known for providing virtual on-the-water stadiums to the scores of spectators who annually attend the Tour’s events and next week that fan experience will be further enhanced with the launch of the Tour’s new mobile website, www.wmrt.com. Spectators in Hamilton Harbour and around the world using iPhone, iPod, iPad as well as all Android, BlackBerry, Palm and Windows mobile devices will be now be able to access live results, reports, image and video galleries as the action unfolds. Mobile users can also access the Tour’s daily news vodcast and ‘Play of the Day’ via YouTube and fans of specific teams will have the unique option to personalise their homepages with the latest team information, images and biographies.

In addition, fans will be able to get further under the skin of the action from Bermuda where testing will take place for a live audio and video feed broadcast alongside the race blog at www.wmrt.com. Live spectators and web viewers will enjoy additional insight and race commentary from Scott Dickson, a renowned match racing figure who is well-versed in the Argo Group Gold Cup having competed there on numerous occasions.

The Tour already boasts an impressive global TV broadcast distribution, with highlight programmes aired by 25 broadcasters in over 183 countries. Next week’s action will be broadcast on Sky Sports, Eurosport and CNBC amongst other channels whilst highlights will also include exclusive interviews with the world’s best skippers, including reigning Champion Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing, two-time World Champion Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar sponsored by Argo Group and Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team.

The launches are the result of a focused strategy by the WMRT to increase the series’ global multimedia footprint and are a timely addition with the Tour standings delicately poised as the teams approach the sharp end of the series. All eyes in Bermuda will be on Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team as he bids to stave off his arch rivals and take another step towards his first ISAF Match Racing World Championship title. That will suit his nearest challenger, Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing who could potentially draw level with a win in either of the last two WMRT events. Just as the teams are busy calculating and computing all the permutations, the added insight that these new media platforms will bring will make it easier to follow than ever before.

Jim O’Toole, CEO at the World Match Racing Tour, said: "Sailing is often cited as being a poor spectator sport however the WMRT is unique in its ability to bring the action up close to spectators. We also have a huge global following and our focus on developing the Tour’s multimedia channels is targeted towards that audience and to build our overall fanbase. What better time to showcase the Tour’s ever-expanding multimedia offering as we head towards a thrilling finale at the final two events in Bermuda next week and then the Monsoon Cup in Malaysia in late November early December.”

Its My 27th Birthday !

2010-09-29T15:43:00.007+08:00

So when I started this blog, I made it a point to just write about my sailing stuff, and I am going to continue to do just that,

I am not going to write about my birthday celebration, but on why am I still sailing till today.

I started when I was 12 at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, before long I was already sailing for the Kuala Lumpur the federal territory of Malaysia, and then the State of Selangor, and when I passed the age limit of 15 for Optimist class,

I started sailing Lasers,Laser 2, 420, and 470, I was then included in the national programme but heartbreakingly I didnt get to represent my country,

straight after then I enters my college years. Doing my diplomas and kinda stopped sailing for awhile,

and then Royal Selangor Yacht Club launched the youth programme, I was roped into it, and I kinda find myself at the bow, for no one wants to do it. Obviously I screwed up lots, but lucky to be given alot of space and time to learn at the bow.

Before long I joined Vincent's Mata.Hari,I was then given more oppurtunity to learn at the bow, gaining more seamanship, navigating, plotting maps! , anchoring the boat right! and so on... . With more experience I was invited to do bow in Thailand and Singapore and was sailing quite actively, and was more than happy to do bow on different boats designs/class .

I love to be in the rain, in the storm, shivering and at times down with sea sick.., but still have to do my job of sail change, hoisting of spninaker and jib, pushing me pass my limit and trying my best not to let my mates down!

With Experience my job get easier every year, but there are always so much to learn and always interesting to see how other bowman do stuff and try to improve myself.

A sport I couldnt really see myself learning everything, but I am stubborn and wants to learn more, the reason I still sails.

23 Days to go before the National Qualifier for the Monsoon Cup

2010-09-28T12:44:00.008+08:00

23 days to go before the noational qualifier for the Monsoon Cup 2010
and what is in our head?

After the dissappointment last year, this year we are trying to be better prepared physically and mentally, what was our mistake?, and things we should work on before the qualifier.

Well, I had a great workout with yew yesterday, both of us have been doing alot of pulls ,alot of lat workout, basically lots of shoulder exercise. And we are looking forward to checking out Fariz's fitness level this weekend.

We also have some sponsors stuff in our head, on trying to get a long term one, for after the Han River Match race at Seoul, we are beginning to think of getting exposure oversea, Jeremy and Tiffany was getting alot of invites, but we werent able to do it for yew and I just got off college and it was difficult for us do all the races, but now that we are nearing 3 years of working life, things are slowly getting better for us.

And if we can get a long term sponsor, we could do alot of races, we have the potential, for everyone in the team isnt a college boy anymore. And that we should work together to get sponsors.

Teams that could feature in the National Qualifier,
This isnt so difficult to figure out, last year we had 4 team from Royal Selangor Yacht Club, namely Team RSYC, Team ViewPoint ,Team AsianYachting, and us.

This year only Team RSYC and us will represent the Royal Selangor Yacht Club.

Predictions !
Other Teams, We may see
3 teams from the Malaysian Yachting Association including the Asian Games Selection Winning Team,

2 Teams from PutraJaya, including Last year's finalist Sail Putrajaya,

1 Team from our Malaysian Armed Forces Team ,

1 Team from the State of Perak , Last year's Winner Silver Match Race

1 Team from the State of Johore, Harimau Selatan

2 Team from the State of Terengganu.

Making it 12 Teams again this year.

Sean

Asia’s Biggest Loser- Monsoon Cup Challenge

2010-09-28T12:26:00.002+08:00

HI Guys,

I just received an email to watch this,
my first thought, wow this is a great affiliation with the Asia's Biggest Loser definitely going to give Monsoon Cup a greater presence in Asia!

Dont forget to watch !

Preperation towards the National Qualifier for Monsoon Cup

2010-09-22T12:20:00.009+08:00

Hi Guys,

Today, we have less than 30 days towards the start of the national qualifier for Monsoon Cup.

We have finalized our crew members.
Koo Racing Team will again be lead by
Jeremy Koo as the skipper,

me, Sean as bowman again this time, and

Fauzi Mustaffa our evergreen main trimmer.

Looi Sing Yew as trimmer aka our speed master !!lol

Fariz Sawal our latest addition !!! will be our pit man this time.

with Fariz inclusion, we are undoubtedly the most experience team for the qualifier!

With every member having at least four match racing event experience!

Having all sailed before as a team, there are mutual trust among us that we will do well in our own job while complimenting each another, I could not hide but be proud and confident, that we are gonna get what we want this time!

We have confirmed and completed our registration.
and We have also secured sponsors to aid our financial needs !
This year we will be joined by Evernew IT Solution as our Main Sponsor,
and we still enjoy continuous support from AC LAW .

We are very proud to have both Evernew and AC Law as our sponsors this year!

Our Team shirt this year!!

All our team members are currently working hard to bring up the team's fitness level. May the Monsoon Comes early again this year for the qualifier!!

Dear All,

In preparation for the National Qualifier, We intend to go a day earlier on the 19th October for some practice, we invite you guys to do the same too, so that we can have some sparring session ...!

my next post will speculate on teams that may be competing this time!

Han River International Match Race - Day 4

2010-09-12T08:04:00.002+08:00

Just finish the Skipper briefing, we are just going to finish the Round robin today to decide the leader based on number of match won..........

and then the wind die off, and with high water level we were asked to leave the river.

no sailing again today.

Another day for sight seeing!

Han River International Match Race - Day 2 and Day 3 morning

2010-09-11T08:10:00.005+08:00

Hi guys,

Finally got my luggage bag,

we started day 2 with 2 wins over 2 Korean team, but lost the 3rd race to local favorite , Park Gun woo. We lost the start but took the lead at the windward mark and also giving him a penalty, but apparently we hook some floaties/garbage on the way to the offset mark and they just sailed away with...

Now team from New Zealand leads the leader board,followed by team from Australia, while after losing to one of the Korean team we are now joint 4th place,with anothe korean team that we have met and beaten.

Today on Day 3, there may not be any race, as the Dam accumulated lots of water from yesterday and during the night, and apparently one of the bridge is already submerge in the the river, and last heard from the authority they are going to release the stress from the Dam, so our sail/office area will be flooded till the car park area.

Han River International Match Race - Day 1

2010-09-09T15:30:00.005+08:00

Day 1, and we already handicapped, yew couldn't make it. In the end we invited a Korean laser sailor to join us.

Kim Our last minute replacement

We are far from match fitness, and unfortunately we met the Australia team early on, with 2 new crew on board is was too much to handle, we won the start but lost it approaching the windward mark, that was the only race we had today,

Team from Australia lead day 1 with 2 win .

We are still confident in reaching the semi final.

Thats all for now, until I get my camera!

Sean

Mathieu Richard Wins the 'King of the Mountain' Title in Spectacular Style

2010-09-06T15:52:00.003+08:00

St. Moritz, Switzerland - 5 September 2010 - 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.

Having toyed with the teams all week at the St. Moritz Match Race, it was on the final day that the Maloja wind truly kicked in, bringing with it a supreme display of match racing for which the ISAF World Match Racing Tour is renowned. Richard, despite not always being on top of his game throughout the week, knuckled down when it mattered most, grinding out a series of hard-fought victories against his nearest rivals today.

L-R Mathieu Richard,Greg Evrard, Olivier Herledant, Yannick Simon, French Match Racing Team, winners of the St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.
When the two British skippers, triple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN and double ISAF Match Racing World Champion Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar won their first semi-final matches, the prospects looked good for an all-British final. However, Richard had no intention of playing second fiddle and led Ainslie all the way round the course in their next race to level the score.

It was standing room only in the packed grandstands and with everything hanging on the final race of both semi-final matches, the crowds of spectators were in for a treat. A dogfight before each of the starts characterized the races. With a penalty to his name in his deciding semi-final battle against Ainslie, it appeared Richard's only option as they approached the final mark was a brutal one - to pin a penalty on Ainslie. Fortunately for Richard, his Blu26 found a gust, giving him enough time to complete his penalty turn and dispense with the Brit.

Meanwhile, in the Williams vs Minoprio bout Williams took the first match, but Minoprio responded in the second with a move at the windward mark, where Williams collected two penalties in rapid succession, allowing Minoprio to take a decisive victory. Williams though regained his composure for the final race of his dual with the New Zealander, with just enough control over Minoprio to maintain a slim lead to the finish and a place in the final.

L-R Yannick Simon (holding cheque), Olivier Herledant, Greg Evrard, Mathieu Richard, French Match Racing Team, winners of the St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. 5th September 2010. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.
The scene was set for a fitting British-French finale, with the title going to the first team to win two races. This was sailing's version of 'Le Crunch'. At times, both played underdog, exchanging glances and penalties. It was one all after two races and in the deciding race, it seemed only right that the wind, so unpredictable and challenging all week, should have the final say. Richard, playing a string of gusts and shifts to perfection, pulling five lengths clear, a lead he maintained to take the 'King of the Mountain' crown and CHF36,000 in prize money.
Richard, reflected: "I wasn't happy after losing the first race against Ian in the finals. I was too excited, made mistakes and didn't have a positive feeling. So, we picked ourselves up, changed our mood and took the match to them. We go to Denmark with a healthy lead however we know there is still all to play for. For now though, we're overjoyed."
As the Tour heads to the island of Bornholm, Denmark, next week, it is possible that the next few weeks will determine not just the outcome of this year's World Match Racing Tour but also shape the future of match racing with the America's Cup announcements that have been a hot topic all week in St. Moritz. Whatever the outcome, Richard and his rivals will remain focused on their endeavours to take the World Match Racing Tour title.

To view the 'Play of the Day' - Williams collecting two penalties against Minoprio, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQEuRU4HumU

Results for the top four positions at the 2010 St. Moritz Match Race:
Finals Semi-final Quarter-final Round Robin
Final:
Mathieu Richard 2-1 2-1 1-0 (7-4)
Ian Williams 1-2 2-1 (straight to SF) (8-3)
Petit Final:
Adam Minoprio 1-0 1-2 1-0 (6-5)
Ben Ainslie 0-1 1-2 2-0 (7-4)

Overall Standings the 2010 St. Moritz Match Race:
Skipper/Teams Points
1 Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 25
2 Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 20
3 Adam Minoprio (NZL) BlackMatch Racing 15
4 Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 12
5 Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team 10
6 Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team 8
7 Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team 6
8 Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 4
9 Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
10 Eric Monnin (SUI) Swiss Match Race Team
11 Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team
12 Jerome Clerc (SUI) Team CER Geneve

For fans around the world, the event will be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

A Touch of Luck Defines Day 4 of The St. Moritz Match Race

2010-09-05T12:31:00.002+08:00

St. Moritz, Switzerland - 4 September 2010 - On a frustrating day for the six teams battling to reach the semi-finals of the St. Moritz Match Race, perhaps the biggest fight was off the water between the gradient northerly wind and the thermally induced southerly, which left the racecourse peppered with monumental wind shifts, holes and gusts.

The weather has tested the skippers' mettle all week and today it created a spectacular sporting moment that had the crowd holding its breath. It looked as if it was all over for reigning 'King of the Mountain' Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing in his match against Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team. Iehl, looking to build on a remarkable previous day, had what seemed like an insurmountable lead however he hit a hole and unfavourable wind shift just before the finish line. At the same time, Minoprio caught a big gust that he rode all the way to the end, storming past Ihel just two boat lengths from the finish. The King of the Mountains clearly controls the wind however it was a hollow victory: "Damien did a really good job extending his lead around the course. Then, when it was almost all over, he sailed into a hole and we sailed round him. I really don't feel good about it, but we need the points."

Ben Ainslie, TEAMORIGIN (foreground) vs Bjorn Hansen, Hansen Global Team. St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.

No skipper was given Minoprio's luck forcing them to relentlessly pursue every possible advantage. A pre-start incident between triple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN and Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team saw the umpires find in favour of the British team, as Ainslie explains: "It was a 50-50 situation in which we had to keep clear when Hansen luffed us hard. It was a difficult decision for the jury as to whether he had been too aggressive, or whether our response was too slow. Luckily they decided in our favour."

Next up was a French derby between Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team against Bertrand Pacé (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team. There was no love lost though as Richard tried to pin Pacé outside the line at the start. In a super-close rounding of the second mark, Richard had the favoured inside line, while Pacé collected a penalty for failing to give him space giving Richard the advantage which he held to the finish.

St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.

In what proved to be the final chapter of the day, Ainslie held a big lead over Hansen when a wind shift of such magnitude made it difficult for Hansen to hold the spinnaker. Despite vehement protest from Hansen's team, the race was not abandoned giving Ainslie a second and decisive win to join Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar in the semi-finals.

The battle between the two wind systems continued through the afternoon, and despite supreme efforts by the race committee, racing eventually had to be abandoned for the day. The remaining quarter-final races to decide the two teams that will face Ainslie and Williams in the semi-finals, will take place at 1000 local time tomorrow morning.

Quarter-final results at the St. Moritz Match Race:
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar: goes straight to semi-final
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAM ORIGIN: 2
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 1
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing: 1
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team: 0
Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team: 0
Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 0

You can follow the live blog at www.wmrt.com from 1 to 5 September from 11.00am until racing finishes at approximately 18.00

A preview to the St Moritz Match Race can also be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqmo-2i3gs

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

Mountains of Suspense at the St. Moritz Match Race

2010-09-05T12:29:00.002+08:00

St. Moritz, Switzerland - 3 September 2010 - The tension was palpable deep in the Swiss Alps at the St. Moritz Match Race today as the final push to qualify for the quarter-finals reached fever pitch. While three teams were assured of their place, a further six started the day virtually tied on points, preparing to fight tooth-and-nail for the remaining four places and a chance to have a crack at taking the 'King of the Mountain' title.

At the head of the pack, Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar, Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN and Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team were majestic on the water, making light work of the tricky and shifty conditions that have characterised the racing on Lake St. Moritz. With their path to the next round soon assured, the scene was set for the other teams to front up and put their rivals on the next plane home.

Team GAC Pindar beats Mirsky Racing Team. St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.

What ensued was match racing at its most intense - the skippers pushed and often broke the rules of match racing and sportsmanship, keeping the on-water umpires fully occupied. Bill Edgerton, Chief Umpire, said: "The competition here is red hot, with sailors making quick-fire decisions and straying well into the interpretative part of the rules."

The heavyweights of Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team, lying second overall on the Tour before this event, America's Cup sailor Francesco Bruni (ITA) AZZURRA and reigning 'King of the Mountain' Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing, knew they each had a dogfight on their hands if they were to progress any further. Unfortunately for them, these three skippers faced a formidable challenge in the might of triple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie, double ISAF Match Racing World Champion Ian Williams, and current overall tour leader Mathieu Richard. Before going afloat, Mirsky summed up the challenge: "It's a do or die day for us. We need to overtake at least one team but we're up against Ainslie, Williams and Richard."

In the first bout between Williams and Bruni, a constant mix of aggressive yet measured sailing created a fantastic spectacle in front of the grandstand, Williams eventually showing why he's is a 2-time ISAF Match Racing World Champion by taking a closely-fought victory. The clouds were drawing in on the trio of increasingly apprehensive skippers, as Ainslie and Richard similarly outgunned Mirsky and Minoprio respectively.

Francesco Bruni, Azzurra. St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.

Down but not out and with pride and the added incentive of substantial prize money at stake, the underdogs came back for more with renewed determination and eventually Bruni, Minoprio and Mirsky all led their opponents home.
The fight back meant four teams were then tied on 6-5 each, with the final three quarter-final places ultimately decided on count back, with Minoprio, Hansen and Iehl going through, while Bruni and Mirsky left to rue their missed opportunities.

A delighted Ainslie commented: "Conditions out there were very tough for everyone and we're very happy to be going through to the quarter-finals. It was an interesting last race for us, we tried to offload a penalty by gybing on the layline to the windward mark instead of tacking but it didn't work and Bruni got ahead."

Ian Williams, added: "We're very pleased to have a guaranteed top four position and, by winning the round robins, we've secured a place in the semi-finals. We'll be watching the quarter-finals very carefully, trying to learn more about how the breeze is structured on the course, and look for ideas to improve our boat handling."

Elsewhere, Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team and Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team both notched up a impressive victories to leave them each with a 6-5 scoreline whilst Bertrand Pacé (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team took two bullets to secure his place in the next round.

Results after the Round Robin at the St. Moritz Match Race:
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar: 9-2
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAM ORIGIN: 8-3
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 7-4
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team: 7-4
Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team: 6-5
Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 6-5
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing: 6-5

Francesco Bruni (ITA) AZZURRA: 6-5
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team: 5-6
Eric Monnin (SUI) Swiss Match Racing Team: 4-7
Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team: 2-9
Jérôme Clerc (SUI) CER: 0-11

You can follow the live blog at www.wmrt.com from 1 to 5 September from 11.00am until racing finishes at approximately 18.00

A preview to the St Moritz Match Race can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqmo-2i3gs

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

The French Apprentice Turns Master at the St. Moritz Match Race

2010-09-03T14:53:00.002+08:00

St. Moritz, Switzerland - 2 September 2010 - Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team was the aggressor on day two of The St. Moritz Match Race in Switzerland, storming through a run of five successive victories including a comprehensive defeat of the reigning 'King of the Mountain', Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing.

If the spectators expected the relative newcomer to the ISAF World Match Racing Tour to be apprehensive after a disappointing opening day, he did not show it. As the thermally-induced Maloja wind rushed in, the young Frenchman exhibited some deft moves on the water, leading Minoprio around mark one by three lengths and eventually extending his lead all the way to the finish.

Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team in action on day two – photo Ian Roman/WMRT

The ISAF World Match Racing Tour has a rich history of nurturing the best match racing talent and Iehl looked every bit a champion in the making today. His next fight was against another super-tough opponent, Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team, currently ranked second in the Tour. The two skippers jostled and jabbed like boxers to gain the upper hand at the start with only inches separating them. This was toe-to-toe action. Mirsky gained the initial advantage, but Iehl read the subtleties of the wind to perfection, building what proved to be an insurmountable 10-length lead at the first mark.

With two victories under his belt Iehl was unstoppable, even by the might of triple Olympian and America's Cup sailor Francesco Bruni (ITA) AZZURRA. At the start the French team gained the favourable lee bow position and led the accomplished Italian round all three laps of the course.

Iehl, commented: "We had a clear game plan today which gave us the great starts we needed, as well as a strategy that delivered the best course through all the wind shifts. Our teamwork and manoeuvres were spot on too - it was a perfect progression for us from yesterday."

Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar takes charge on day two – photo Ian Roman/WMRT

A classic French - British dogfight is developing between the front runners and if anyone is going to put a counter-attack together on Iehl, there's a strong chance it will come from Ian Wiiliams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar who leads the standings overnight, having won all three of his races today.

Triple Olympic gold medalist and America's Cup skipper, Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN also demonstrated total dominance of his opponents with a clean sweep of victories, as did Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team.

With seven teams advancing to the next stage, three are confirmed as having made the quarter finals, but another six - including some veteran stars - are still in the hunt for the remaining four places.

Results after Day 2 of the St. Moritz Match Race:
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar: 7-1
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN: 6-2
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 6-2
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing: 5-3
Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 5-4
Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team: 5-4
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team: 5-4
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team: 4-4
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra: 4-4
Eric Monnin (SUI) Swiss Match Racing Team: 2-7
Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team: 2-7
Jérôme Clerc (SUI) CER: 0-8

You can follow the live blog at www.wmrt.com from 1 to 5 September from 11.00am until racing finishes at approximately 18.00

A preview of the St Moritz Match Race will be aired on 1 September on SF1 at 22:20.

A preview to the St Moritz Match Race can also be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqmo-2i3gs

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

All To Play For At The St. Moritz Match Race

2010-09-02T10:20:00.003+08:00

St. Moritz, Switzerland - 1 September 2010 - 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.

The first start saw double ISAF Match Racing World Champion Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar pitched against local sailor Jérôme Clerc (SUI) Team CER Genève, who gained a wildcard invitation to the event. The young Swiss sailor proved from the outset that he has the talent to mix with sailing's biggest stars, taking the lead just after the start and holding it until tantalisingly close to the finish.

Clerc was next up against Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN. Approaching the first windward mark, Clerc held a small advantage slightly to windward of the British boat, but Ainslie pulled just far enough forward to slip above the Swiss skipper in a deft manoeuvre that cleared his way to round the mark first.
Clerc commented: "It was a lot of fun today - we're not really favourites, but we are really happy to be in contact with them and playing with them."
On board Team GAC Pindar. St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. 31st August 2010. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.

Ainslie's fight with Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team saw the event's first piece of red-hot anger, including a collision, much shouting between the two teams, and a rapid succession of penalties even before the start gun was fired. With a red flag penalty - to be taken immediately - Iehl's race was effectively over at the start.

The Brits went on to dominate the first part of the day's racing, with both teams winning all their races, including Ainslie's match against current World Match Racing Tour leader Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team. "It's the start we wanted, even though we're a bit rusty having missed the last two events. The conditions were very tricky with 20-25 and even 30, degree windshifts and it was important to connect the gusts, especially downwind."

So what would happen when Ainslie and Williams went head-to-head? After close sparring in the pre-start, Williams held Ainslie out to the wrong side of the committee boat, winning the start by a length and a half. At the windward mark Williams misjudged his tack and collided with Ainslie, but maintained a tenuous lead. At the beginning of the final leg he had extended this to three-lengths, but still had a penalty turn to take before finishing - it was impossible to predict the result, until a gust allowed Williams to extend his lead 150m from the finish line.
Ian Williams,Team GAC Pindar, beats Ben Ainslie, TEAMORIGIN in the round robin of the St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. 1st September 2010. Photo: Ian Roman/WMRT.

The French teams came to the fore in the final races of the day. Ainslie and Bertrand Pacé (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team were evenly positioned at the start, with Pacé at the left-hand end of the line. With the stronger gusts on the left-hand side of the course he quickly pulled out a small lead. Pacé, reflected: "Then we just tried to sail with the best wind, choosing the right side of the course and staying in phase with the wind shifts - it's easy to stay ahead of the other guy if you do that in these conditions."

The last race, between Mathieu Richard and Ian Williams, was also the closest. With 15 seconds to go the French skipper looked much too early, yet he found enough wriggle room to make a perfect start, much to the surprise of the spectator crowds. He led throughout the race by the tightest of margins - at the finish just one metre separated the two boats.

Richard, said: "The match with Williams was the most challenging for us today - it was so close all the way. We're very pleased with our results and the way we sailed, although we know we can still make small improvements."

It was also a good day for defending champion St. Moritz Match Race Champion, Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing, Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team, who top the rankings along with Williams at the end of day one, each of these skippers having won four races and lost one.

Results after Day 1 of the St. Moritz Match Race:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing:4-1
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar: 4-1
Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team: 4-1
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN: 3-2
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 3-2
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team: 3-2
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team: 2-3
Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team: 2-3
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra: 2-3
Eric Monnin (SUI) Swiss Match Racing Team: 2-3
Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team: 1-4
Jérôme Clerc (SUI) CER: 0-5

You can follow the live blog at www.wmrt.com from 1 to 5 September from 11.00am until racing finishes at approximately 18.00

A preview of the St Moritz Match Race will be aired on 1 September on SF1 at 22:20.

A preview to the St Moritz Match Race can also be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqmo-2i3gs

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

- Ends -

About the ISAF World Match Racing Tour:

The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring 9 World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with "Special Event" status.

The World Tour awards over US$1.5million in prize money with points awarded at each event culminating in the crowning of the "ISAF Match Racing World Champion". In addition, an 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.

Events utilise the same "match race" format used in the America's Cup with racing taking place in identically supplied racing yachts which places a focuses on team work and skill. Racing takes place close to the shore for the general public to follow the races as virtual on-the-water stadiums.

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Calendar
Match Race France 6 - 11 April Marseille, France
Match Race Germany 19 - 24 May Langenargen, Germany
Korea Match Cup 8 - 13 June Gyeonggi, South Korea
Portimão Portugal Match Cup 22 - 27 June Portimão, Portugal
Match Cup Sweden 5 - 11 July Marstrand, Sweden
St Moritz Match Race 31 Aug - 5 Sept St Moritz, Switzerland
Danish Open 8 - 12 Sept Bornholm, Denmark
Argo Group Gold Cup 4 - 10 Oct Hamilton, Bermuda
Monsoon Cup 30 Nov - 5 Dec Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 9)

1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

2010 Tour Card Holders:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar

Access to Images, Audio Visual and Press Releases
To download high resolution pictures, audio and video files, and press releases, click on the following link to register your details: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia.html

Please note: Registration is not automatic and will be reviewed. If you have previously registered on our old website, your username and password will be in our new database. For further enquiries or assistance, please contact media@wmrt.com

Social Media

Facebook Group name - World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name - worldmrt
http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

Testing Conditions At St. Moritz Match Race Set To Challenge Tour Leaders And Wildcard Qualifiers

2010-09-01T01:01:00.002+08:00

TEAMORIGIN. St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. 31st August 2010. Photo: Ian Roman/Subzero Images.

St Moritz, Switzerland – 31 August 2010 – The race village at the Segel-Club St. Moritz was buzzing today, with 12 world-class sailing teams making their final preparations for a week of fierce head-to-head competition in the St. Moritz Match Race, the sixth stage of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour Championship.

After a light dusting of snow on the hills above the lake overnight, St. Moritz sparkled in the morning sun. However, the unseasonably cold weather meant the trademark Maloja wind was absent today, leaving sailors to contend with an erratic and chilling northerly breeze. This was light and fitful at the start of the competitors’ registration and weigh-in session, but built to a useful 10-15 knots for the first practice session.
With the Maloja not expected to be fully active for a few days, the challenge of making the most of the shifty winds is uppermost in the minds of many skippers.

Johnie Berntsson (SWE), Berntsson Sailing Team, commented: “This is the second time for us here – it’s a stunning venue and we’re looking forward to it. The shifty winds make it a very challenging place for us, but we are used to that from our home waters near Gothenburg.”

One skipper who is not so worried about the tricky conditions, however, is Eric Monnin (SUI) Swiss Match Racing Team. Switzerland’s best match race helmsman, Monnin is currently ranked 26th in the world and has competed at every St. Moritz Match Race. He stepped ashore after today’s practice session relaxed and smiling, saying:
On board with Mathieu Richard and his crew at the St Moritz Match Race 2010. World Match Racing Tour. St Moritz, Switzerland. 31st August 2010. Photo: Ian Roman/Subzero Images.

“We like sailing at our home event. We know the boats and we know we can do well in the shifty conditions – it’s what we’re used to. We do as many of the WMRT events as we can – it’s always great to sail against these people.

“The standard of racing is increasing over time, with dedicated teams having a chance of winning against the America’s Cup sailors. There were coaches on many of the boats today – you didn’t see that here five years ago.”

The WMRT is well established as a pathway to stardom for sailors. Jérôme Clerc (SUI) Team CER Genève is an up and coming Swiss sailor, with the distinction of being the second amateur team in this year’s Tour de France a la Voile. The St Moritz Match Race will be Clerc’s first ISAF Grade WC event, having been awarded a wildcard entry after finishing second in the Qualifier Event 2010 Volvo Match Race, Zug.

Clerc added: “This is a very big challenge for us – we’ve been match racing during the winter for training, but this is our first time with the Tour. It’s a great pleasure to be able to race against the big sailing stars we’ve seen on TV. Match racing is perfect for improving our manoeuvres and crew communication – the courses are very short, so you must be very precise.”

Tomorrow morning will see Clerc pitched straight into one-on-one battles with three of the biggest names in the sailing world, starting with double ISAF World Match Racing Champion Ian Williams (GBR), Team GAC Pindar. In his next race the young Swiss sailor will face Mathieu Richard (FRA), French Match Racing Team, who’s currently at the top of the Tour rankings. Clerc will then go head-to-head against triple Olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup skipper Ben Ainslie (GBR), TEAMORIGIN.

You can follow the live blog at www.wmrt.com from 1 to 5 September from 11.00am until racing finishes at approximately 18.00

A preview of the St Moritz Match Race will be aired on 1 September on SF1 at 22:20.

A preview to the St Moritz Match Race can also be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqmo-2i3gs

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

- Ends -

About the ISAF World Match Racing Tour:

The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring 9 World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status.

The World Tour awards over US$1.5million in prize money with points awarded at each event culminating in the crowning of the “ISAF Match Racing World Champion”. In addition, an 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.

Events utilise the same “match race” format used in the America’s Cup with racing taking place in identically supplied racing yachts which places a focuses on team work and skill. Racing takes place close to the shore for the general public to follow the races as virtual on-the-water stadiums.

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Calendar
Match Race France 6 - 11 April Marseille, France
Match Race Germany 19 – 24 May Langenargen, Germany
Korea Match Cup 8 – 13 June Gyeonggi, South Korea
Portimão Portugal Match Cup 22 – 27 June Portimão, Portugal
Match Cup Sweden 5 – 11 July Marstrand, Sweden
St Moritz Match Race 31 Aug – 5 Sept St Moritz, Switzerland
Danish Open 8 – 12 Sept Bornholm, Denmark
Argo Group Gold Cup 4 – 10 Oct Hamilton, Bermuda
Monsoon Cup 30 Nov – 5 Dec Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 9)

1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

2010 Tour Card Holders:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar

Access to Images, Audio Visual and Press Releases
To download high resolution pictures, audio and video files, and press releases, click on the following link to register your details: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia.html

Please note: Registration is not automatic and will be reviewed. If you have previously registered on our old website, your username and password will be in our new database. For further enquiries or assistance, please contact media@wmrt.com

Social Media

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name – worldmrt
http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

World Class Sailors Prepare To Do Battle In The Sky At World Match Racing Tour Championship

2010-08-31T12:17:00.001+08:00

St Moritz, Switzerland – 30 August 2010 – Twelve of the world’s most successful skippers, including Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN, Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing and Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team, are preparing for a week-long series of head-to-head battles at the St Moritz Match Race.

The Swiss resort is a stunning sailing venue, despite being almost 2km above sea level, thanks to the legendary Maloja wind. This thermal breeze, created by rapid heating of the steep mountains above the resort, funnels through the valley to give reliable winds of 10-25 knots from mid-morning until sunset.
Teams will have only a short practice race to get to grips with the Blu26, the lightest and most manoeuvrable design used in the ISAF World Match Racing Tour Championship. They are optimised for racing on Alpine lakes and designed specifically for the one-on-one dogfights of match racing.

The boats’ awesome power to weight ratio and lightning-quick acceleration make for a furious pace in the all-important pre-start manoeuvres, with skippers faced with a rapid-fire of split-second win-or-lose decisions. At the same time, their crew’s boat handling is tested to the limit – anything other than millimetre-perfection and immaculate choreography will hand their opponent a crucial advantage.

The requirement for perfection in such a high-intensity battle is a tall order even for the world’s best sailors. Ben Ainslie, winner of the last leg of the WMRT, the STENA Match Cup Sweden, and Britain’s most successful sailor ever, with three Olympic gold medals, knows all too well there is no room for complacency:

“We are looking forward to getting back into the World Match Racing Tour Championship; we are planning to do four events between now and the end of the year – St Moritz, the Danish Open, Argo Group Gold Cup and the Monsoon Cup.

“Currently we are lying fifth in the rankings so we will be focusing on improving on that status. St Moritz should be a challenging lake venue, and those conditions, combined with the new four-person Blu26 boats, means we will have a lot to take on in a short space of time."

Richard, is at the top of the overall rankings going into the event, but will be looking to improve on their performance in Sweden, where Ainslie knocked them out in the quarter finals with a 2-1 scoreline. Minoprio, the reigning ‘King of the Mountains’, however, is a significant force to be reckoned with and will not relinquish his title without the most gruelling of fights.

A preview to the St Moritz Match Race can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCqmo-2i3gs

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

*Note: times are subject to change without notification

- Ends -

About the ISAF World Match Racing Tour:

The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring 9 World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status.

The World Tour awards over US$1.5million in prize money with points awarded at each event culminating in the crowning of the “ISAF Match Racing World Champion”. In addition, an 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.

Events utilise the same “match race” format used in the America’s Cup with racing taking place in identically supplied racing yachts which places a focuses on team work and skill. Racing takes place close to the shore for the general public to follow the races as virtual on-the-water stadiums.

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Calendar
Match Race France 6 - 11 April Marseille, France
Match Race Germany 19 – 24 May Langenargen, Germany
Korea Match Cup 8 – 13 June Gyeonggi, South Korea
Portimão Portugal Match Cup 22 – 27 June Portimão, Portugal
Match Cup Sweden 5 – 11 July Marstrand, Sweden
St Moritz Match Race 31 Aug – 5 Sept St Moritz, Switzerland
Danish Open 8 – 12 Sept Bornholm, Denmark
Argo Group Gold Cup 4 – 10 Oct Hamilton, Bermuda
Monsoon Cup 30 Nov – 5 Dec Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 9)

1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

2010 Tour Card Holders:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar

Access to Images, Audio Visual and Press Releases
To download high resolution pictures, audio and video files, and press releases, click on the following link to register your details: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia.html

Please note: Registration is not automatic and will be reviewed. If you have previously registered on our old website, your username and password will be in our new database. For further enquiries or assistance, please contact media@wmrt.com

Social Media

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name – worldmrt http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

Han River International Match Race - Seoul , South Korea

2010-08-26T17:14:00.003+08:00

Team Update

Hi guys,

Our team has already decided to accept the invitation to go match race in Seoul, South Korea
for the Han River International Match Race from 9th -12 th September.

This will become part of our preparation for the Malaysian Qualifier which has become tougher by the year, but nevertheless we are still confident of regaining the championship this year.

and having said that we acknowledge that the team need to sail more together before the qualifying and participating in the Han River International Match Race will give us the much needed water time together instead of only coming together as a team in the first round robin of the qualifying last year.

In this Han River International Match Race, Tiffany will take helm with Jeremy as tactician this time. Although the event isnt a ISAF graded one, but with Teams from New Zealand, Australia and maybe Russia its going to be fun!

Thats All !, more updates and pictures once I get to South Korea !

Sean

MINOPRIO RETURNS TO ST. MORITZ TO MAKE HIS MOVE ON WORLD MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

2010-08-26T17:05:00.003+08:00

26 AUGUST 2010

Defending ISAF World Match Racing Champion Adam Minoprio © SubZero Images

London, UK – 26 August 2010 – Defending World Match Racing Champion, Adam Minoprio and his ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing team are looking to put their nearest rivals to the sword at the St. Moritz Match Cup next week as the business end of the Tour gets underway.

The idyllic setting of Lake St. Moritz high in the Swiss Alps will play host to a series of fierce one-on-one sailing battles as the top names in the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) compete for the coveted ‘King of the Mountains’ title. The man to beat is defending St. Moritz Match Cup Champion, Adam Minoprio (NZL), who comprehensively outgunned his rivals in 2009 on his way to taking the overall World Match Racing Championship. The New Zealander leads a crop of young sailors looking to outshine the more established names in match racing and leaves no doubt about his desire to repeat his feat of 2009.

Minoprio, said: “We want to keep the ‘King of the Mountain’s’ title in our trophy cabinet but we know the challenge from the eleven other competing teams in St. Moritz will be tough. No one is going there to take in the scenery and make up the numbers so my team will need to be right on top of our tactical game to ensure we are on top of the podium come Sunday. We’re into the second half of the Tour now so we’re fully focused, the adrenaline is pumping and the overall title is front of mind.”

St Moritz © Loris Von Siebenthal

Twelve teams representing seven nations will compete for the honours which include the winning prize money of CHF 150,000. In addition to Minoprio, the competition will include current Tour leader, Mathieu Richard (FRA) with French Match Racing, and Ben Ainslie (GBR) - the quadruple Olympic medalist and skipper of Britain’s America’s Cup Challenger, Team Origin. Torvar Mirsky (AUS), Ian Williams (GBR), Francesco Bruni (ITA), Björn Hansen (SWE), Bertrand Pacé (FRA), Damien Iehl (FRA) and Eric Monnin (SUI) will also battle it out on Lake St. Moritz together with a group of promising qualifiers.

Sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status, the Tour sits amongst the prestige of the America’s Cup and The Volvo Ocean Race by attracting the world’s best sailors. The St. Moritz Match Cup is the 6th Stage in the epic 9 event Tour which includes races in France, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden, Korea, Bermuda and Denmark, culminating in November/December 2010 with the high-profile Monsoon Cup in Malaysia.

St Moritz © Loris Von Siebenthal

Jim O’Toole, CEO of the ISAF World Match Race Tour, commented: “The stunning setting, the best sailors, head-to-head close up action, passionate fans – next week’s event in St. Moritz is what the World Match Racing Tour is all about. The teams all want to get under the skin of their nearest rivals and take the bragging rights into the next Tour stage. I’m looking forward to seeing the action on the water where there’s still all to play for in the race to become the World Match Racing Champion.”

For fans around the world, the event will also be featured in a TV highlights programme called The St Moritz Match Race. Featuring all the action from Lake St. Moritz, it will premiere on Eurosport at 21.35 on 6 October and also show on Eurosport Asia Pacific at 13.45 on 13 October. The programme will be screened on Sky Sports 3 at 18.00 on 22 October.

The St. Moritz Match Race highlights show will be broadcast on channels across the globe including CNBC, Setanta, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sevenload, Yacht and Sail International, America One, ESPN Star Sports, PCTV Mexico, Melita Cable, Bands Sports Brazil as well as local Swiss broadcaster Teleclub. The latest TV schedule for all the races can be viewed at: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html
*Note: times are subject to change without notification

- Ends -

About the ISAF World Match Racing Tour:
The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring 9 World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status.

The World Tour awards over US$1.5million in prize money with points awarded at each event culminating in the crowning of the “ISAF Match Racing World Champion”. In addition, an 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.

Events utilise the same “match race” format used in the America’s Cup with racing taking place in identically supplied racing yachts which places a focuses on team work and skill. Racing takes place close to the shore for the general public to follow the races as virtual on-the-water stadiums.

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Calendar
Match Race France 6 - 11 April Marseille, France
Match Race Germany 19 – 24 May Langenargen, Germany
Korea Match Cup 8 – 13 June Gyeonggi, South Korea
Portimão Portugal Match Cup 22 – 27 June Portimão, Portugal
Match Cup Sweden 5 – 11 July Marstrand, Sweden
St Moritz Match Race 31 Aug – 5 Sept St Moritz, Switzerland
Danish Open 8 – 12 Sept Bornholm, Denmark
Argo Group Gold Cup 4 – 10 Oct Hamilton, Bermuda
Monsoon Cup 30 Nov – 5 Dec Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 9)
1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

2010 Tour Card Holders:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar

Access to Images, Audio Visual and Press Releases
To download high resolution pictures, audio and video files, and press releases, click on the following link to register your details: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia.html

Please note: Registration is not automatic and will be reviewed. If you have previously registered on our old website, your username and password will be in our new database. For further enquiries or assistance, please contact media@wmrt.com

Social Media

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name – worldmrt
http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

QINGDAO PROMOTER UNABLE TO HOST EVENT

2010-08-24T10:56:00.001+08:00

23 AUGUST 2010

London, UK – 23 August 2010 - The World Match Racing Tour regrets to announce that The Qingdao Match Cup has been cancelled after the local organising authorities were unable to commit to hosting the event.

Despite an agreement having been concluded in June 2010 the local authorities have been unable to meet the requirements outlined by WMRT.

WMRT remains committed to the expansion and development of the world championship series and continues its discussions with potential cities.

-Ends-

About the ISAF World Match Racing Tour:
The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring 10 World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status.

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Calendar
Match Race France 6 - 11 April Marseille, France
Match Race Germany 19 – 24 May Langenargen, Germany
Korea Match Cup 8 – 13 June Gyeonggi, South Korea
Portimão Portugal Match Cup 22 – 27 June Portimão, Portugal
Match Cup Sweden 5 – 11 July Marstrand, Sweden
St Moritz Match Race 31 Aug – 5 Sept St Moritz, Switzerland
Danish Open 8 – 12 Sept Bornholm, Denmark
Argo Group Gold Cup 4 – 10 Oct Hamilton, Bermuda
Monsoon Cup 30 Nov – 5 Dec Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 10)
1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

2010 Tour Card Holders:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar

Access to Images, Audio Visual and Press Releases
To download high resolution pictures, audio and video files, and press releases, click on the following link to register your details: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia.html

Social Media

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name – worldmrt
http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Features On CNN Flagship Show Mainsail

2010-08-20T10:23:00.001+08:00

19 AUGUST 2010

London, UK – 19 August 2010 - 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 programme which aired for the first time today at 12.30 and 16.30 will be repeated on Saturday 21 August at 07.30, 17.30 and 20.00 again on Sunday 22 August at 03.00, 07.30 and 15.00 (all times GMT) features the thrilling action from the Stena Match Cup Sweden which saw Britain’s three time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie crowned the ‘Maestro of Marstrand’.

The programme fronted by Shirley Robertson showcases the unique nature of match racing, the same format of racing used in the America’s Cup. Having established itself as the foremost training ground for America’s Cup skippers The World Match Racing Tour continues to feature the very best sailors in the world as they look to hone their skills.

The programme will be aired across all CNN’s platforms in EMEA, North America, Latin America and South Asia. The feature is yet another boost for the World Match Racing Tour which is gaining an increasing global media profile with highlights of the Tour being shown in over 180 countries on channels such as CNBC, Eurosport, Setanta Africa, Sky Sports, ESPN Star Sports and Fox Sports.

Following a mid-season break The World Match Racing Tour is set to spring back into action with the world’s best sailors locking horns in a double header. The St Moritz Match Race takes place from 31 August to 5 September and will be followed immediately by the Danish Open in Bronholm from 8 to 12 September.

-Ends-

About the ISAF World Match Racing Tour:
The World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring 10 World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status.

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

2010 Tour Card Holders:
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team
Bertrand Pace (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar

Social Media

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name – worldmrt
http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

THE MONSOON CUP PROVIDES INCENTIVE FOR NEXT GENERATION OF SAILING STARS

2010-08-18T21:49:00.001+08:00

18 AUGUST 2010

Sailors aged 25 and below from outside Asia can compete at Asian Match Racing Championship

Phil Robertson (NZL), Team WAKA Racing at 2009 Asian Match Racing Championship - photo by subZero Images

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 18 August 2010: 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.

The Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC), a qualifying event for the glittering Monsoon Cup, is set to allow sailors under the age of 25 from outside of Asia to compete in the event for the first time this year, as well as other Asian teams.

This unique decision was taken by the AMRC to help encourage the development of match racing, a unique style of competitive sailing which sees participants go head-to-head in close quarters on the water. Current ISAF World Match Racing Tour Champion (WMRT), Adam Minoprio, has shown just what the AMRC can do for a sailor’s career having first made a name for himself by winning the AMRC in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

2009 Asian Match Racing Championships in action! - photo by SubZero Images

The AMRC will now look to replicate that story by allowing more young sailing talent from around the world the opportunity to race in the Championship, which gives the winner a berth in the Monsoon Cup at the end of the year. The sailing hotspots of Australia and New Zealand already come under the territory of Asia with regards to the WMRT and so the decision to open the field yet further is sure to make this year’s AMRC the most competitive yet. The World Match Racing Tour is the well worn pathway to the America’s Cup and is targeted by many of these young sailors.

Monsoon Cup Race Advisor, Peter Gilmour, said: “We have had many requests from professional sailors globally who want to compete in the Monsoon Cup. I sincerely believe the decision to open the field to youth sailors from around the world will be a step in the right direction for both the sport and Malaysian sailing.

“We need to develop more events for the youth and I’m happy the AMRC is taking that step forward. Three Turkish sailors and two from the Philippines signed up for the recent Monsoon Sailing School. This shows there is real interest in the sport from all over the world and many are looking at Malaysia as the hub for Asian Match Racing. As such, I feel all the initiatives taken under the Monsoon Cup umbrella will help achieve this.”

Asian Match Racing Championship - photo by SubZero Images

Besides Minoprio, last year’s AMRC winner, Phil Robertson, has also started to stamp his name in match racing with victory in the Korea Match Cup qualifiers earlier this year. He went on to finish 11th overall in the Korea Match Cup.

This year the AMRC takes place from the 26th to 29th October at the Ri- Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, the home venue of the Monsoon Cup.

The AMRC is one of two events of which the winners will gain a berth into the Monsoon Cup, the other being the Malaysian Match Racing Championships (MMRC) which take place on 20th to 23rd October at Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa.

For further information contact Mira Navaretna at mira@tbest.com.my or visit www.monsooncup.com.my for more information

-Ends-

About the Asian Match Racing Championships (AMRC)
At its debut in 2006, the AMRC saw participation from five regional teams, including from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, racing in the world-class Pulau Duyong match race circuit, which is also the venue for the Monsoon Cup.

Last year saw a massive increase in interest with over 30 international teams applying for a chance to compete. But only seven selected teams were racing in the AMRC, including two from Malaysia. Now its grown to include the participation of youths under 25 from around the globe.

Asian Match Racing Championship Winners:
2006 - Adam Minoprio (NZL) – BlackMatch Racing
2007 - Adam Minoprio (NZL) – BlackMatch Racing
2008 - Keith Swinton (AUS) – BlackSwan Racing
2009 – Phil Robertsson (NZL), Team New Zealand WAKA Racing

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 10)
1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

Access to Images, Audio Visual and Press Releases
To download high resolution pictures, audio and video files, and press releases, click on the following link to register your details: http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia.html

Social Media

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts

Twitter Profile name – worldmrt
http://twitter.com/worldmrt

YouTube www.youtube.com/worldmrt

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: media@wmrt.com

WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR APPOINTS CAPITALIZE TO HANDLE GLOBAL PR CAMPAIGN

2010-08-06T16:56:00.000+08:00

www.capitalize.co.uk

London, UK – 4 August 2010 - The world’s leading professional sailing series, the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), has appointed sports marketing and communications specialist, Capitalize - the BrandFan® agency - to manage its global PR series for the remaining 5 races of this year’s Tour.

With the World Match Racing Tour embarking on an exciting development period which hopes to see the 10 race series double its size in the next five years, Capitalize will work alongside WMRT Communications Director, Audrey Lakai, to focus on increasing the Tour’s profile across key global markets by targeting international news, business, lifestyle, specialist and broadcast media.

The PR, sponsorship and experiential agency will also provide specialist on-event press office support and bring new media to the Tour events as the series draws towards its climax at the Monsoon Cup in December.

Capitalize will also manage the Tour’s social media channels and develop digital platforms to engage with fans and bring the thrill of match racing to a growing global audience with live video streaming and behind-the-scenes interviews and news features.

Sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status, the Tour sits amongst the prestige of the America’s Cup and The Volvo Ocean Race by attracting the world’s best sailors. The epic Tour features 10 World Championship events across the globe, including races in France, Germany, Sweden, Korea and China, culminating in November/December 2010 with the high-profile Monsoon Cup in Malaysia.

Competing teams go head-to-head on identical racing yachts, ensuring the overall ‘ISAF Match Racing World Champion’ is crowned on the merit of teamwork and individual skill. A US$250,000 overall prize pool for the top nine teams with a $50,000 bonus for the outright winner of this year’s World Match Racing Tour provides added incentive.

Jim O’Toole, Chief Executive Officer of WMRT, commented, “The World Match Racing Tour is well established as the World Championship of head-to-head sailing and features the very best sailors year after year. What we are now focusing on is taking the series on to the next phase, by increasing the number of events, enhancing our commercial partnership proposition and increasing our multi media footprint around the world.

“We have set some ambitious goals to develop the series and Capitalize’s expertise in engaging both global media and new fans will be a key component in helping us achieve our objectives. We are looking forward to starting work with Capitalize immediately as we start the build up to the next round in St Moritz, Switzerland which runs from 31 August to 5 September.”

Jonathon Bates, Associate Director at Capitalize, said, “Sailing is one of the few sports to have a truly global footprint and also the genuine scope to increase its profile in both traditional and emerging sailing territories. We’re delighted to be working with the World Match Racing Tour and look forward to helping the series develop its footprint by generating engaging and inspiring media coverage and social media activations around the Tour.”

-Ends-

2010 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings
(After Stage 5 of 10)

1. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 77 Points
2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 60 Points
3. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 54 Points
4. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 52 Points
5. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 45 Points
6. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 43 Points
7. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 41 Points
8. Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team 40 Points
9. Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Sigma Racing Team 29 Points
10. Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia 16 Points

Media and television highlights coverage reaches over 2.1 billion households in excess of 183 countries around the world.

Facebook Group name – World MatchRacingTour http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/World-Match-RacingTour/307841498309?ref=ts
Twitter Profile name – worldmrt http://twitter.com/worldmrt
To View Footage http://www.wmrt.com/video-archive.html
Access to Footage ftp.wmrt.com

For more information on WMRT, please visit: www.wmrt.com

Issued by Communications Department, WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR
Name : Audrey Lakai
Mob : + 6 012 502 2206
Email : audreylakai@wmrt.com

Press information, please contact Capitalize:
Name: Rupert Hains
Tel: +44 (0) 207 940 1700
Mob: +44 (0) 7887 993 240
Email: wmrtmedia@capitalize.co.uk

Malaysian Match Racing 2009 Youtubes Videos

2010-08-06T15:14:00.002+08:00

HI Guys,

We are exactly 76 days from the Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2010. Its time I pep my self up by watching videos ,and bring up my fitness level,

Here all the link from last year 2009 qualifier,

My objectives are to spot my own mistake and not repeat them, then I will move on to the tour videos to learn new tricks.

Day 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LljMRqcOAww

Day 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Ancwxt1TA

Day3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9YNJRotMm4

Day4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLZGeGoUfYw

Sean

Qingdao, China's Sailing City

2010-07-27T00:09:00.001+08:00

Qingdao International Marina & Olympic Sailing Center

London, UK, 26 July 2010 - The coastal city of Qingdao has gone from virtually unheard of outside China to a venue synonymous with world class sailing events. China's "Sailing City" grabbed the international spotlight with the organization of the highly successful 2008 Olympic games but sailing will be the spirit and legacy of Qingdao. Two years after the Olympics, Qingdao continues this strong and successful sailing legacy by welcoming the world's premiere match racing circuit, the World Match Racing Tour. This is no coincidence as Qingdao has long been connected with sailing events. The earliest sailing race in Qingdao dates back to 1904, when the German Royal Yacht Club held a regatta there. This was also the earliest sailing event recorded in Chinese history. It truly is the birthplace of sailing in China.

Olympic Games 2008
The Qingdao International Marina & Olympic Sailing Center (QIMOSC) is located at the former Beihai dockyard and covers approximately 45 hectares. Built at a cost of almost half a billion US dollars, including the re-siting of the old shipyard, the QIMOSC covers 111 acres of land and comprises a the purposely-built Olympic village, an athletes' centre, administrative centre, a large media centre and a logistics block. Former ISAF President Goran Petersson had stated that Chinese city was "the best venue I have ever seen for an Olympic sailing event."On the organizational side Qingdao demonstrated its ability to host big international events as a total of 400 athletes from 62 countries and regions participated in the Olympic sailing event and 80 athletes from 25 countries and regions participated in the Paralympic sailing event.The 2008 Olympics in Qingdao also marked another historic moment for the world's most populous nation. When Chinese sailor Yin Jian crossed the finish line at the medal race on her RS:X windsurf she gave her country the first ever gold medal in sailing. Never before was the Chinese national anthem heard at the prize-giving ceremony of a sailing event in the history of Olympic Games.

Clipper Round the World Race
Qingdao's participation in the Clipper Race was instrumental in the city's emergence as a world class sailing venue and helped secure the rights to stage the sailing events of the 2008 Olympic Games. Qingdao was a stopover of the round-the-world race in three consecutive editions, 2006, 2008 and 2010, taking part as well with a yacht bearing its name.

Volvo Ocean Race 2008-9
Banking on the successful Olympic games and the Clipper stopovers, becoming a port of the Volvo Ocean Race was a natural step in the progression of the city towards becoming a premier world sailing venue. After a grueling race that started under the hot weather in Singapore, the VOR fleet arrived in Qingdao in January 2009 only to be met by a cold winter climate. Despite the windy sub-zero winters, the Qingdao stopover proved to be a success with tens of thousands of locals that swarmed the race village.

World Match Racing Tour - Qingdao Match Cup
Given the ambitions and efforts of the city to further consolidate its position as a premier yachting venue not only in China but throughout Asia and the world, it was evident its next step would be to host an event of the World Match Racing Tour. In fact it will be the very first match racing event to be staged in China and will undoubtedly bring the Chinese public close to the sport of sailing in general and match racing in particular.

The Qingdao Match Cup will, obviously, make use of the existing facilities while racing will take place between the Olympic Sailing Centre and the new city area that will host tens of thousands of spectators on a daily basis. It is also forecast that the Qingdao Match Cup will benefit from windier conditions in late October but with the current adding another element of difficulty to the already tricky conditions, Qingdao will prove to be an unforgiving venue for the world's best match racers. Small errors will be heavily punished.

While still quite a number of match racers in the World Match Racing Tour have never sailed there, for two of the Tour's top sailors Qingdao will be a familiar place, bringing back fond memories of gold Olympic medals. Team Origin's Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy climbed on the highest position in the podium, the former in the Finn class and the latter in the Star class.

For Ben Ainslie, "Qingdao is a tricky place to sail, it will be interesting to see where they put a match racing course in for Qingdao Match Cup and how different the conditions will be in China during October compared to August when I was there for the Games".

Ainslie's teammate Iain Percy is confident "the addition of Qingdao this year as a Stage in the World Match Racing Tour is a real turning point for the series. It introduces the Chinese market to the global match racing world and the sailors get to race on waters used for the 2008 Games. I feel that it is an important step in the future of the WMRT to take the racing to every corner of the globe and inspire yet more fans to get involved in a sport we all love. Qingdao Match Cup will have top class facilities as part of the Olympic legacy and I am personally positive to be returning to a venue that holds very fond memories for me from my experience of competing at the last Games".

One aspect of Qingdao Match Cup though that sailors will not find tricky at all is the total prize pool. For the first time ever in the World Match Racing Tour, the local organizers in Qingdao will put at stake an impressive US$ 500,000, setting a new standard, not only for the Tour but also for the sport of sailing.

Article provided by Valencia Sailing

Malaysians to train under Olympic Champions

2010-07-23T17:45:00.001+08:00

Australia’s Tessa Parkinson and Belinda Stowell to share know how in Monsoon Sailing School

Tessa Parkinson offers advice at the Monsoon Cup corporate sailing event. Images © Monsoon Cup

Putrajaya, Malaysia, 23 July 2010 - The lure of the Monsoon Sailing School has proved irresistible to Australia’s Olympic champions Tessa Parkinson and Belinda Stowell, who have come on board as coaches.

Parkinson, who won Olympic gold in the 470 class with Elise Rechichi in China two years ago, is one of five coaches for the four-day Monsoon Sailing School which will be opened by the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek next Thursday.

Stowell was a gold medalist in the 470 Class with Jenny Armstrong at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. She is currently the head coach of sailing at the Western Australian Institute of Sport.
The other coaches are Torvar Mirsky and Kinley Fowler, skipper and mainsheet trimmer of Mirsky Racing Team who finished runners-up in the 2009 World Match Racing Tour Championship and Brad Sheridan, who helped Singapore win a sailing gold medal in the last Asian Games.

All five Australians will share their experience with 10 Elite Malaysian sailors handpicked by the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) and 18 other top sailors from around the country.

Local bankers take to the water with tessa Parkinson at the Monsoon Cup corporate sailing event. Images © Monsoon Cup

Initiated in 2009 under the patronage of the Malaysia Ministry of Youth and Sports, Monsoon Sailing School is the perfect training opportunity for teams vying to participate in the Malaysian and Asian Match Racing Championship of the Monsoon Cup as participants will train on the actual yachts used in Monsoon Cup.
Four F-36 match racing yachts have been brought down from Terengganu, Malaysia especially for the event to be held at Maritime Centre, Precinct 5 Putrajaya.

Parkinson works with the Yachting Foundation in Western Australia, taking corporate clients out sailing on the Swan River in Perth and agreed to coach in Malaysia through her links with her mentor Peter Gilmour, who is the Monsoon Cup Race Advisor.

“I’m delighted to be here in Malaysia for the Monsoon Sailing School. I’m sure it will be a unique experience for me and the sailors,” said Parkinson. “I’m looking forward to working with some of Malaysia’s best sailors.”

Meanwhile, Monsoon Cup Race Advisor, Peter Gilmour, said: “We are ecstatic that not one, but two Olympic champions and three very highly rated coaches have come to the Monsoon Sailing School this year. We definitely have an all-star line-up here. Their combined experiences cover the Asian Games, Olympics and the World Match Racing Tour.”

The Monsoon Sailing School is an initiative of the Monsoon Cup, the final leg of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) to industrialise the sporting scene, spurring economic activities in the marine industry, namely in boat making and repair facilities, sales and servicing of accessories, coaching and training of local expertise and merchandising. Another major economic component is the sponsorship and marketing opportunities available which have a direct impact on the bottom line of its partners.

For more information, please contact:
Mira Navaretna
Email: mira@tbest.com.my
Telephone: +603-22833324.

ISAF World Match Racing Tour Announces Latest TV Schedule

2010-07-20T23:04:00.002+08:00

Korea Match Cup - Tonight on SKY at Primetime

If you haven’t been lucky enough to see the teams in action, we have all the details of where you can watch exclusive footage in the highlights programmes, news shows and of course live action at future events on TV channels around the world.

In a what can only be termed a tremendous result, Sky Sports UK will broadcast the highlights of Stage 3 of the World Match Racing Tour, Korea Match Cup, tonight, Monday July 20, 2010 in prime time on Sky Sports 3, at 20:00 UK time.

Mathieu Richard (FRA) and his French Match Racing Team crew won the 2010 Korea Match Cup defeating two time World Champion and UK native, Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar, 3-1 in a final that was covered live across the globe.

The camaraderie of the teams and friendly rivalry between racers is captured beautifully as the programme includes exclusive interviews with contenders and behind the scenes moments of quiet contemplation.

The Korea Match Cup highlights show will be broadcast to 180 countries across the globe including CNBC, Setanta Africa, Showtime, Sky NZ, Sky Sports, Yacht and Sail International, Klarner Medien, RTP Portugal, Sevenload as well as America One, ESPN Star Sports, Sportsmax, Fox Sports US, Canal Plus, PCTV Mexico, Untamed Sports and Melita Cable.

For the full TV schedule please visit http://www.wmrt.com/multimedia/tv-schedules.html

Additional information on the ISAF World Match Racing Tour available at www.wmrt.com

For access to high resolution images please register at www.wmrt.com under Multimedia.

Access to Footage ftp://videos.wmrt.com
For access please contact:
LIVE, Post Event Highlight Shows:
Alex Colebeck or Matt Jeschelnik | Boulder Creek International
Tel: +44 208 996 5079; Mobile: +44 (0) 7748708568
Email: alex@bouldercreekinternational.com or matt@bouldercreekinternational.com
Skype : alex.colebeck or matt.jeschelnik

International News and Daily Highlights:

Simone Felsberger | eye-sprint Communication
Email: simone@eye-sprint.com
Tel: +49 89 200 62 614; Mobile: +49 (0)151 588 473 67
Skype: simonefels

Monsoon Cup 2010 Qualifiers

2010-07-16T22:54:00.002+08:00

Monsoon Cup 2010 Qualifiers
This isn't official yet but the dates for Malaysian Match Racing Championship have been set from 20-23 Oct while the Asian Match Racing Championship is on 26-29 Oct.

Enters the time I will updates my blog more regularly as I get excited once more to compete in the qualifier!

More to come!
Sean Ong

Day 1 - Thailand Platu Open 2010

2010-03-13T17:44:00.004+08:00

Hi guys,

I had a great sailing day for we won all our races today! Wind was blowing about 10-15 knots.

Race 1, we didnt had the best of start as we were luff up during the start and we thought we were over the line, we came back, and by then we were the second last boat.
We caught up during the upwind, and manage to take the lead at the leeward mark!

Race 2,

We didnt have a good start, was sandwiched by 2 to 3 boats during the start ,hitthe top mark in 3rd, then we managed to steal the lead in the downwind,

Race 3,

Was the best start of the day, we lead from the start to finish.

Race 4,

Had a good start, half way through the course, had about 4 boats crossing us, so we were about fifth or sixth, but managed to recover and rounded the top mark second, and took the lead again in the downwind.

Thats all !!!

Sean

Thailand Platu Open OD Champioanship 2010

2010-03-10T16:47:00.003+08:00

We had a strong showing last year 2009 finishing 2nd overall!. This time we will try harder!
Its going to start tomorrow I am taking my laptop there this time around,
will post updates at the end of everyday =)

11th March (Thursday) - 08:00-20:00 Registration, weigh in and practice course

12th March (Friday) - One Day Sponsors Regatta -

08.00-09.15 Registration

09.15 Skippers' Briefing

11.00 First warning signal of the day (3 races planned)

17.00 Reception and Awards at Ocean Marina Yacht Club

13th March (Saturday) - OPEN Race Day 1

08.00-09.15 Registration

09.15 Skippers' Briefing

11.00 First warning signal of the day (4 races planned)

14th March (Sunday) - OPEN Race Day 2 -

11.00 First warning signal of the day (3 races planned)

17.00 app. Awards Ceremony at Ocean Marina Yacht Club

November 2009 till Now March 2010 - RMSIR , RLYC, Straits Regatta, ETF

2010-03-10T16:01:00.007+08:00

dear blog, ppl

I apologize for not updating enough, especially year end and start of the year is always full of sailing events!

Frankly I was disheartened, for sailing result isn't up to the standard we set. so this is going to be short.

I left out some posts, They are

The Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta 2009 -November
It was just before the Monsoon Cup qualifier,the regatta just got tougher this year, the sea was pretty rough this time around and the wind was blowing up to 30 knots, had a good regatta competing against kukukerchu the eventual class winner, EOW skandia and Happy Endings.

The Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2010 - January
Not much entries this year, but nevertheless a great regatta where on Mata Hari we didn't sailed with our regular crew, We had new crews and also shifted some of the regular crew around, it brought in some enthusiasm to our Team but it wasn't enough to win our class, our new crew includes Elena Tan , Tom(Rizal) , Bulat (Izzad), Syed. They did a fantastic job despite sailing first time on the boat.

The Singapore Strait Regatta - January
This was my first Singapore Strait Regatta, and it was held in Batam island, Indonesia.
Was invited by Yazid and Jun to join them on Rip Jaw, a beneteau first 42.7. I definitely had a great time there, had my first cigar, and plenty of white wines. The crew are a good bunch to sail with.
Manage to also gained some carbon fibre knowledge from Jeremy. And despite the freak accident I had there. I was really glad, I took time off work to join them.

Everything that Floats (ETF) - March
This is one of the fun regattas that my club Royal Selangor Yacht Club throws every year to invites new sailor into the club. This time I brought some friends ! I had Lindsay, Ronan, Sheila , Tien ,Dansyee with me. Now I am warmed up before heading to Platu Open tomorrow with Rolf ,David , Ai li and Yew!

Sean

Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2009 Monsoon Cup Qualifer Day 4

2009-11-29T14:40:00.007+08:00

Day 4

We lost the semi-finals in straight sets to Hazwan, with this lost natuarally comes the question of how we did we lose it?

Before the answar ,we won the petite finals and came in a reputable 3rd in the Malaysian Match Racing Championship.

We were complacent I guess, the semi-finals were one of those days where you just couldnt keep up with the boat speed of your opponent. I believe all sailors have expericen in that, that your boat just couldnt keep up the pace.
Besides boat speed and boat handling I do attribute part of our lost to a bad strategy.

What could we had have done differently?

First mistake was picking Hazwan as our semi-finalist opponent, for reason we know that the first part of the day at Pulau Duyong is going to be light wind, and still we chose an opponent lighter than us.

Second was picking the wrong boat, the boat did served us well in the Round Robin 1, but we did reported a leaking keel then, and the result do shows it was a bad idea to use it again.

On the Petite Final we chose a different boat and we felt less vibration compared to the first boat and won the race without having too worry too much about boat speed.

And another mistake on boat picking, was that in these event, sponsors comes and goes, new sponsors do means new spinnaker.

but a big congratulation to Hazwan for winning the Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2009, their boat speed are fast with very good boat handling skills by the crew,

Big Thanks to

AC Law (http://www.aclaw.my/) our Main Sponsor

Gareth Cooke/SubZero Images, for all the amazing picture taken of us!

T-Best and RURRUM Commnunications for forwarding us an invitation and organising such a great event that places a dream on young sailors of Malaysians.

Royal Selangor Yacht Club - Sailing Committee and all members of the yacht club!

With this lost, We are very detemine to come back stronger next year!

Cheers
Sean

Malaysian Match Racing Championship - Monsoon Cup Qualifier Day 1 to 3

2009-11-25T22:42:00.011+08:00

We are through to the semi finals!!!
Koo Racing Team - AC Law are in the Semi Finals!

Day 1,

Having not sailed together as a team before, there is some concern how we will work as a Team.
In fact we only got our first team photo on day 1 ! and we have been out of the match racing scene for 2 years now.

We only managed a match on day 1, where we go against putrajaya 5 O. They are a relatively a new team. Therefore we managed to win comfortable with them having a blag flag after they failed to do the second penalty immediately after the start.

The black flag gave us lot of time to work on our boat handling,moves and team work, which we needed very badly.

Day 2.

We were quite confident at the end of the first day but we were put firmly back to the ground on the first match of day 2 against Team Navy 1. We lost the match, but I personally see it as wake up call for us. This is how they beat us to the line, pre start we gave them a penalty, then they started in front of us, a few tacking duels, we kinda screwed up one of the tack, they surge ahead.

No spinnaker allowed, so it was basically a tight reach back to the mark, after that match we felt were very disappointed and very restricted of not having a spin to fly.

we went back to the drawing board, rectifying all our mistakes after the defeat and then bounced back immediately to win all the remaining matches in day 2 and joint top the leader board with Sail Putrajaya.

Day 3,

We carried the momentum from day 2, continuing winning all our races convincingly and finish top of the round robin 1 leader board!

We will face Team Taring Pelangi in the Semifinal tomorrow!

out
sean

HELP Sailing Club - Sailing Day !

2009-10-19T17:44:00.004+08:00

Last Saturday 17th October was fantastic day for me, I was invited by Ai li to go sailing with her bunch of Help Sailing Club members and that kinda gave me a reason to wake up on a Saturday Morning.

It was a great day! For the sun was kind and the wind was blowing. There were lots of them,like around 15-ish people, and the lucky three who managed to go onboard with us are Jeff, Fred and Wei Wen.

We are suppose to instill sailing interest into them for this is their first time on board a sail boat! And what better boat to do just that than our Platu where everyone have to be involve to sail the boat.

All three of them didn't take much time to learn the basics of tacking and jibing maneuvers. Wei wen was on the main sail trim, while Fred and Jeff were taking care of the front sail.

On our way back we even managed to spot some dolphins,
and that really made my day, for all the time that I have sailed at port klang, this is actually my first time spotting a dolphin here.

Sean

Built up to the Malaysian Match Racing Championship 2009 - Monsoon Cup 2009 Qualifier

2009-10-07T17:23:00.005+08:00

I have been thinking..

Ever Since we completed our registration for the Malaysian Match Racing Championship I have been trying to fill in the remaining 11 slots of Teams, trying to figure out who is going to compete with us the get the qualifying slot for the Monsoon Cup 2009.

For Teams that I am certain we will see..

1. Team RSYC/99°/View Point - Skippered by Rolf Heemskerk ; I will rate Rolf's Team as one of the favorites. I personally sailed with Rolf before, and he is a very a good helmsman, whats lacking in the Team are the Match Racing Experience, other that than that I am sure they will have a great time at the qualifying

2.Team RSYC- Skippered by Tom(Rizal) - I have known Tom ever since I started sailing and that was 14 years ago, and I can tell you guys, that he is good, he was the Malaysia's Sea games Representative for platu in 2007 ; and I will say he definitely have a chance at the Championship.

3 & 4 .Navy1 & Navy 2-I am not sure about Navy2, but I am very sure that Navy1 will be skippered by Razali, Razali's Team was the finalist in 2007 and the semi finalist in 2008.

Teams that we could see,

5. Perak Sailing Team- Skippered by Nurul Ain. Last Year Winner! Ayin, have told me that she intends to compete, but nothing is confirm yet, but if she turns out, as the reigning champion, she is automatically one of the favourites.

6 MYA KFC Team-Skippered by Razman. Last Year finalist, I have not much info on this guy but after some google'ling I found out he is quite active and have been winning some platu races. Since he was a finalist last year, and he was quoted as the team to beat by the Navy in a recent Newspaper cutting, we will just put him as a favourite.

Other Teams we may see.

7.Sail Putrajaya skippered by Elia, She was crown the most promising sailor in the recent Monsoon Cup Sailing School at putrajaya, I rate her as having a chance at the championship.

8.Team Asian Yachting skippered by Ayin from RSYC!. This year Asian yachting.com is sending a team and will be skippered by Ayin form the Royal Selangor yacht Club!.I rate her as having a chance at the championship.

9. Duyong Heritage Sailing Team - Since they were one of the teams who went for the Monsoon Cup Sailing School at putrajaya, I believe we may see them

10&11, Team Johor and Team Terengganu, these 2 teams have been part of the Malaysian Match Racing Championship since 2006, lets hope we see them too.

Finally our Team
12 Koo Racing Team-Ac Law, Skippered by Jeremy Koo.

thats all =P
more posts coming up

regards
Sean

Sunday 14th Cruiser Race !

2009-09-14T09:41:00.004+08:00

Sunday 14th , was looking really over crowded when there was a total of 12 crews available for Mat Hari, we managed to trim it to 10 but on Sunday we ended with only 7 .

It was then I had a feeling we are going to have a very good workout today with Vincent on the helm, Gwen, Nurul Ain and her sister Ngah on the Trim, Yew on the Main, Wai li on the pit and me me taking care of the foredeck.

It was Nurul's First time on Mata Hari, therefore Yew moved to main to give a her bigger learning space as we gear up towards Raja Muda Selangor international Regatta.

Race 1, Current was strong at about 2-3 knots from the west, Wind coming from north west. The start of race 1 was rather straight forward as we only 3 tack to reach the first mark. After Mark 1 we were on tight reach with the spin, I made a mistake of changing the down haul too early, and as the wind swung to the front we needed to hoist the front sail back. I scrambles to put it back on and that most probably cost us the bullet as we finisht joint second with Martin while the U20 took the bullet.

Race 2, we were really slow off the starting line as the wind begins to die off, still we were first off the line, and as the race progress the wind picks up to about 7-8 knots. We lead from the start and caught every possible shifts we could. It was a race without much or any mistakes and we went home with a bullet on hand.

To sum up the day we went berbuka puasa with nurul at port village restaurants and had a really heavy dinner.

Our Current Confirm Crew List for RMIR now includes Nurul Ain and Wai li,

Sean

Sunday 6th September, Sailing Day!

2009-09-07T23:16:00.015+08:00

We had another awesome sailing day, and this is how we got it...

Started the day at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, wind wasn't blowing in the morning,
this worries me a bit as we will be sailing with six today with pik yi coming on board,
and to add, there is a change to the sailing plan, Jeremy Camps our club Sailing Secretary decided that we should do some match racing too.
Off we go, Today we have Vincent on the helm, yew on the Trim, Pikyi and Simon sharing the pit, Hoe on the main and me as usual on the foredeck.

Race 1, fleet race - Wind went up to around 10 to 12 knots , and the left side of the course looks favor with its shallow water, current is about lets say 2 knots . Wind and current both from south east.

We started well but Jeremy camps had the best start, with the strong current everyone was heading to the shallow water first. Those who didn't got left a little behind. Nearing the Windward mark, we are one of the 3 boats in contention to round the windward mark first. We had Jeremy but somehow Tom managed to sneak passed us rounding the mark first with us close behind. Down at leeward mark, we tries to get room, Tom some how had some problem with its spinnaker. We capitalize on it and never looked back.

Race 2, Match Racing - Us against Ayin's Team, Ayin will be taking helm for Team AsianYachting.com for the Malaysian Monsoon Cup qualifier later this year, we were on port side, Ayin was late coming into the line, we sailed pass her and went straight behind the committee boat, and then we were circling each other by doing tacking and gybing. Hoe needed the warm up as its has been quite sometimes since he trim the main this much. Ayin was too into it, and didn't realize the time, we started ahead, she made a mistake of going to the right side of the course first instead of getting into the shallows first. We won the race.

Match Race 2, we were on bye, as we rested we observed the other teams. All of them rounded the mark on starboard as oppose to port as written on the Sailing instruction. Though Match Race are normally done on starboard rounding, it is not at all unusual to do port rounding. Always read the Notice of Race and the Sailing instructions. I received the NoR for the Malaysian Qualifier the other day, perhaps I shall share it here another time.

Race 3, Match Race, Us against Tom, Tom is a very good sailor. He will be one of the entries for our club, is it not known whose his crews are, I do hope he gets to bring his own crew.

We started against them with a dial up, he move from the dial up and made a mistake of sailing to the port side, the pin end. we bore off fast and tried to keep him on the pin end, yet we were slow and we started circling, moments passed and we were push to the middle of the starting line by the current. 1 minute left, we were both on starboard tack, we were the leeward board, we had overlap and tried to push him off the line, but then the wind swung towards the east backfiring our plan, and he started ahead of us with us following closely, we only mange to caught up in the leeward mark, where we managed room, and got ahead after that, but Tom was sailing really fast with them taking the lead back on the windward mark. But he had no idea wind swung again to the east, now the wind is blowing north east. He made a mistake of gibing first to take advantage of the current. Vincent realize the wind condition and asked us the hold as we are on a tight reach to the finishing pin already! Tom realizing his mistake and gybed back. But it was too late as we took the 3rd bullet of the day.

4th Race - Fleet Racing - Its a sail back to the club, it would be a spinnaker run back to the club, but the wind had been swinging to the north. therefore it could be too shy to fly the spin.

We started with Jeremy below us and Tom above us on windward, he was the first the hoist the spin as we decides to wait. Bad idea, Jeremy and us immediately pulled ahead, with having to sail a few degree lower than us, half the course, yew decided its time for us to hoist, by this tim Tom have already downed his spin and trying to sail high. We hoisted , and Jeremy pull away sailing higher, yew reasoning was, we sailed the shorter course. Anyway we caught at the erm..river junction to the club. now we are both on a square run, starboard tack with us covering them with the wind and current favoring us.We went ahead and ends our day with another bullet!

Still talking about the mark rounding after the race.

We Improved our leads to 3 points!!

I had the wind behind my back..3 months of updates

2009-08-26T16:49:00.012+08:00

I know I have not been writing for the past months, I have been in a somewhat an overdrive, where I have been committed to sailing , work , family (mostly to uncles and aunties if you're reading this, Reese ) and also my social life. But this blog is about sailing, So this what I have been doing ,

Heritage Bay Cup (June 2009)
I was thrilled when I was invited by Mira to become a casual coach for the heritage Bay Cup, personally I am not a very good coach, communication isn't really my forte, so there is something to be learned in this trip to Pulau Duyong. And yes I learned heaps in dealing with new sailors from Dave Mills, not only that, I went back to the basic of sailing and strengthens it.

I also caught up with Nurul Ain, 2008 Malaysian Match Racing Winner! Managed to put some interest in her to join us, Mata Hari for Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta this coming November 2009 and from I last heard she is very likely to join us as our Trimmer.

Phuket Race Week 2009 (July)

This time I sailed with Niels on Pheonix, and then we have Pik Choo, Martin, Alex, Pierre and also Ai li on board, we came in third overall in our class. The highlight of this trip was my performance on foredeck which was good as I avoided all major screw ups, kept the skipper worried free of the foredeck and also my stay on Cateleya a 40ish footer cruising catamaran. It was fun staying on a boat, but it can get really boring for I am basically stuck there as it is anchored out in the sea. But nevertheless I had really good fun racing! Thanks to Niels and Pik Choo for the invites!!

Matahari 's Delivery 2009

Kinda ashamed to say, that this is my first delivery for Mata Hari having sailed on her for the past 4-5 years. So I got to do this, and luckily for me this delivery turns out to be a cruising trip.
It was fun and it was really tiring as we got in on a Monday morning and I went straight to work!

We started out with Vincent, Mat Nor and me, Our first stop is Penang, where we picked up Gweyn and Mel, then we continue through the stars and storm. Next Stop Pangkor, we arrived in the afternoon, stayed a night, big dinner and start sailing again the next day to Port Klang, not much wind, kinda slowed us down, but rewarded us instead with a beautiful sunset.

In between then and now, I was in a few club races, some highlights are we manage to have Sing hoe back sailing with us on platu, and we are leading the current platu series with Vincent taking helm. And on the last platu race on Sunday 23rd August 2009, it was really fun with us reclaiming the series leads after taking 2 bullets.

I am looking in to updating this blog more frequently now, with more details into our platu races.
and also more updates on our team development for the Malaysian Match Racing qualifier , we are proud to announce we have just confirm our participation after missing out last year.

RSYC Platu Series 31st May 2009

2009-05-31T22:49:00.007+08:00

Today we have Wilson and Kok Fu with us, Wilson is a first timer while Kok Fu have had a few outings with us before, then we have Simon, yew and me. So with pik yi out of the picture we have an all guys crew, something we have not been for quite sometimes. I was thinking of a few bullets today; but we only got one out of three races

Race 1, The wind was blowing south west with windward mark at bearing 240; Wind was at 5-6 knots, but gusty at 8-9 knots,It was a bias starting line at boat; After screwing up a strings of starts 2 weeks ago; we were determine to get our record right; we had Tom barging from windward, and that spoils our start. Anyway south west wind is always shifty here. With all the boats regrouped close to each other at windward mark, we rounded it first and got the bullet.

Race 2, Again our starting line was screwed, this time by Aili's platu; anyway as we set off, we were leading until a shift changes everything. boats on the inside are now sailing higher than us, Tom , and Jeremy Camps. Jeremy rounded the windward mark first and never look back, as he took the bullet with us finishing second.

Race 3, We finally managed a good start, rounding the windward mark 1st, but in the downwind we allowed a separation, in which Jeremy took full advantage of, as they rounded the leeward mark 1st,
A few mistakes leaving the mark left us about 2-3 boats length further away, we manged to closed the gap; but still we finish with another second again today behind Jeremy.

With the Result; Jeremy now leads the RSYC Platu Series 2, on 18 points ,with us second also on 18 points.

Travel itinerary - Phuket

2009-05-28T22:32:00.003+08:00

Travel itinerary

Guest Details
1.MR KHONG SHING, ONG

Flight Details
Flight Departing Arriving

AK822
Economy
Promo
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur (LCC Terminal)
Tue 21 Jul 2009, 0725 hrs
Phuket (HKT)
Phuket International Airport
Tue 21 Jul 2009, 0750 hrs

AK837
Economy
Promo
Phuket (HKT)
Phuket International Airport
Sun 26 Jul 2009, 2105 hrs
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Kuala Lumpur (LCC Terminal)
Sun 26 Jul 2009, 2320 hrs

I will be going to Phuket Race Week 2009 !!!

Sean

RSYC Platu Series 17th May 2009

2009-05-17T20:25:00.009+08:00

Again This week, the wind was blowing from the north west, around 12- 15knots.
This week, Sing yew skippered, we have pik yi, Simon, Hui Min and Hui Mei onboard,

There were three races, first race was rather straight forward, we didn't have the best of starts,but anyway with a few wind shifts we were second, Tom took the race and we finish second.

Second race, It was a tight one, with us not certain that if we were over the line at the start but nonetheless we went back, started last. And of course we play our usual wind shifts, and got our self back in. The wind was shifting more to the north today, therefore the right side of the course was definitely the good side. We were second leaving the wind ward mark, on the second leg to the leeward mark, we were dumb folded again, it was not a finishing, it isn't the first time we mistook the flags for our platu races. A Windward leeward flag with a numeral pennant 2 doesn't means, 2 rounds. In our club Platu races it means 1 + 2. So we screwed up here. we retired from race 2.

In race 3, it was a race back to the club; having not won a single race today, we were determined to win it. It was a spinnaker start, therefore i needed to play my part right if we were to win this race, In the last 3 minutes of the starting sequences, yew called for a switch he wants a port hoist instead. Well i did it for him. and we manage to start off the line, sailing nicely away from the rest who were on startboard hoist. They were sailing towards the right side of the course . Where the current were stronger, but the right does look good in terms where we did spot a few puff and gust over there, so as usual, we spent some time trying to convince ourselves that we are on the correct side,which is left; and finally we decided to hold our course. We were right. We took the last race.

Sean

RMSIR - Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta 2009

2009-05-17T20:23:00.003+08:00

Yo I am a poster Boy!!!

RSYC Keel Boat Series 2 - 10th May 2009

2009-05-11T11:40:00.013+08:00

Yesterday 10th May 2009, was the start of the series 2 of RSYC Keel boat series.
Wind was blowing from north west, I will say around 12 to 15 knots. I was on Juita together with
Aziz , Swee, Tore and Scott.

Race 1, we had a fairly good start, but it was Skandia that got the best start, we did not have much problem except for that we had to go completely downwind at a point due to the ships/wind shadows around us., We were flying an A so it was difficult. We end the race 3rd on corrected time where cabaret 5 took the race followed by Skandia.

Race 2, we were stalled at the starting, it was looking to be a good start for us until the last 10 seconds where wind died off a bit; and then Rapscallion and cabaret 5 managed to come in on top of us and with the wind shadows that follows up, we were slow to get off the starting line, Skandia had another good start on port at the pin.

On the first hoist, I took a good few minutes off our time when I got the spinnaker sheets all wrond on the clew. And then we had a very bad jibe, where the A sails wrapped around our forestay; where we had to drop it.

We finish the race 5th on corrected times, with only 5 minutes difference to the 2 nd place; we could have done a liitle better and moved up. Cabaret 5 took the race.

It was a great day for sailing for the wind was blowing.

Click on the image for full size.

Raja Muda Selangor Internatinal Regatta - RMSIR Teaser 2009

2009-05-06T10:57:00.005+08:00

Click on the picture or here
for more information.

Crew Organization for Spinnaker Hoists, Jibes, and Douses By Ullmans Sails

2009-04-24T09:40:00.006+08:00

Getting Back to Basics
Crew Organization for Spinnaker Hoists, Jibes, and Douses
Wed, 7th Jan 2009
By Ullmans Sails

Read it here

http://www.ullmansailssandiego.com/sailing-news-san-diego-southern-california.php?news_id=54

I think this a very useful article from them, do visit their websites; Its along article which I am very tempted to break them into smaller post, Going to be very useful if we are to train up new crews. What is missing in from article is gybing an asymmetrical spinnaker with a dip pole setting.

Anyway, I particularly likes this point

Pit Person:

Ease the pole down to the bow, quickly and smoothly, using the topping lift/uphaul. DO NOT hit the bow person in the head! This might make them very upset and cause dissention.

It doesn't hurt when the adrenalin is pumping, the jibe need to be hoist ,spinnaker to be drop; but you will feel it during the upwind.

Sean

RSYC Platu Club Series

2009-04-20T02:19:00.010+08:00

Last weekend, we were given an opportunity to sail on aili's platu for the club series. She had some homework to finish therefore yew, Pik yi and I decided to race her boat for her, we have with us also Michael, ai li's regular crew.

Wind was really soft on Sunday around 2 to 6 knots perhaps. First race we got into a good start and took the lead right from the start, we manage to leave Tom ( the series leader) behind, and then we left them even further after the windward mark, as the other platus seem to have problem hoisting their spinnaker in the light air ,for the record there were a total of 4 platu out on the water . We finished race 1 with a bullet.

Race 2, wind got even softer and showing sign of dying off, we were off to a good start again, manage about a boat length lead from the nearest boat ,Tom. But then in the last downwind back to the finishing line, we got complacent;

Pik yi was reminding us about how good the club's fried squid was and kept repeating that we must have some when we get back; and then that is when a puff of wind came from behind, and brought Tom, leveled with us, and with the momentum he gained, he took us on line. We finished second in Race 2

Oh well, the weather were nice for sailing as the sun was kind in the afternoon and it started to drizzle a little on our sail back ; we did have the fried squid; but it could have tasted a lot better if we had won both the races. It was a great light workout for yew and I after we have not sailed since Thai platu Open. Pictures to come once I get it from pik yi.

Sean

July 22nd 2009 another Tsunami

2009-04-10T14:17:00.006+08:00

The email message have been circulating in the internet; just received 2 mail regarding it just this morning,

Anyway I hope this just a myth, as usual I will Google around to check the authenticity of it;
did not manage to find anything reliable yet;

But looking at the email, I really doubt the authenticity of it since there isn't any source,
so I am not buying it,

Phuket Race week Starts on the 22nd July, this may brings down my air fares.

Sean

Platu 25: Dropping the spinnaker

2009-04-10T12:21:00.005+08:00

In a windward leeward race, we always do the windward drop, this is how I usually do it, drop the pole , have someone man pole , hoist the the front sail and take the spin clew from the man pole guy, jump into the front hatch , call for drop, collect everything, out of the hatch and hike out for mark rounding [really important] ; have a quick look through the sail ties/halyard, call all clear to the helmsman.

Some may have some concern about jumping into the hatch; this is actually the match racing styles, but the platu hatch may be a little small for guys with big frame; so another workaround would to have the pitman go into the boat; where the bowman pass the spinnaker to the pitman waiting inside the hatch and he does the collecting while the bowman fire the spinnaker instead.

Preparing the drop,
This is crucial for a successful drop, things to make sure before a drop will be the down haul,check if it is in the way of hoisting the front sail; but since we are dropping the pole 1st, this will not be an issue;

so another thing to make sure are the the front sail sheets, we are doing a windward drop and going for a port rounding; therefore is always a good habit to move the sheets to the start board side of the hatch.

Sean

Monsoon Cup 2009 Qualifiers open for teams registration

2009-03-31T12:00:00.008+08:00

The registration for the Monsoon Cup Qualifiers are now open, both the Asian qualifiers and Malaysian Qualifier.
You can read the news at the Monsoon Cup site.

Having being part of the winning team for the 2006 and 2007 Malaysian qualifier, and after missing out the 2008 Malaysian qualifier, I am more than keen to participate in this year's Malaysian qualifier.

In 2006

We have Tiffany (skipper), Rolf (Mainsail) , Jeremy(Pit Man), Yew(Trimer), and me on bow.

It was the first year the Malaysian Qualifier was held and we were proud to be the first Malaysian team to be involve in the World Match Racing Tour.

In 2007 , we have Chris with us instead of Rolf, we were better prepared than 2006 and won the Malaysian Qualifier again.

In 2008, the main Monsoon Cup event clashes with Phuket's King's Cup, in which some of us was committed to it, therefore we had to give 2008's qualifier a miss.

This year 2009. We hope to be part of it again, and hopefully win the Malaysian qualifier again.

This year's challenge will be lead by Jeremy Koo.

Sean

Platu 25: The Spinnaker pole

2009-03-29T22:42:00.002+08:00

Initially I have wanted to write this post together with the post on Spinnaker Hoisting, but I decided not to, to avoid the post being too long, and also I want this post to focus on the setting of the spinnaker pole.

While I was in Thailand Platu open, I notice some of the platu boats have a very creative way of storing/ setting up the spinnaker pole. Their system are very similar to those use in a Laser2, where they store/launch the pole from the boom. So imagine this the pole stored beside the boom with the topping lift and also the down haul still attach. I see this as a, another way to take some strain of the bowman. With the pole now located on the boom, bowman will not be the nearest to it anymore, will the Pitman help?, or the pole is meant to sprung out of the boom by itself when the topping lift and down haul, are pulled, but both of the topping lift and down hauls are loose in the first place to put the pole beside the boom, so does that mean 2 lines have to be pulled? either ways this gives us an interesting thoughts to ponder. My first thought, this system could end up creating more work than the standard system, maybe not for the bowman, perhaps for the pitman.

I also notice that most of the platu boats have a fixed down haul. I can understand this given the design of the boat, but its still a big no no to me.

Why not a fixed down haul and also on why I understand them having the down haul fixed.
If you have sailed a few one design boat before you will notice not all have the same system. In a platu, the topping lift, the down haul, the spinnaker pole are set/hoist outside the front sail. While on some other boat ( lets call it boat B) the, the topping lift, the down haul, the spinnaker pole is set/hoist in between the 2 front sail sheet.

Lets imagine a scene, a typical one , windward mark port rounding, bear a way set, downwind, a jibe, a windward drop, and then to leeward mark port rounding.

With the above scene, Boat B would have change the down haul before the drop, so that the front sail is clear to be hoist. For more elaboration, after we hoist the spin, we drop the front sail on the port side, after a jibe, we will need the front sail to be hoist on starboard side en route to a port rounding, to do that, we will realize that the down haul is in the way, therefore we will need to un-clip the down haul, move the front sail to start board side and clip the down haul back, now the front sail is clear to be hoist. During the drop , we can hoist the front sail first, then drop the pole and drop the spinnaker.

On a platu if we did it the exact way on a boat B, we will find the topping lift inside the front sail, which is wrong.

So in a platu we normally do not change the down haul, instead during the drop we utilize a crew to act as a man pole, while we lower the pole 1st before hoisting the front sail, and dropping the spinnaker. This very much justify the fixed down haul, but in racing shits happens, in times we may be under pressure by another boat, and we will find the down haul getting in to our way at times, so in times, in those time we may find the needs un clip the down haul.

But sometimes, I do use the boat B way, on a platu; especially when we are under crew and do not have a Man pole. How do i deal with the topping lift inside the front sail? I un-clip it, and bring it outside during upwind, you may think tacking after mark rounding may be a problem before i sort out the topping lift, I overcome this by making sure the topping lift have enough slack and not lock, therefore when the boat tack, the front sail will be able to change side without the interference of the topping lift. It will just drag the slack of the topping lift aside.

Sean

Platu 25: Hoisting the Spinnaker.

2009-03-26T11:44:00.001+08:00

With the last Platu Regatta still fresh in my mind, I am going to do some posting on hoisting and dropping techniques.

Its always good to be out racing; as the exposure will enables us to acquire new techniques.

Hoisting the spinnaker always seems relatively easy, and because of such view Bowman are expected to do it right and fast.

Where do we Hoist the chute from?

In Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya the Platu racer there seem to favor a hoist from the Cockpit, while I always hoist from the hatch; unless I did some improvisation on the last drop , Perhaps later I will do a post later on how Bowman improvise in different scenario.

Now back to the topic,
Putting myself in their shoes and having hoist a chute from a cockpit before, I could only see one clear advantage from hoisting from the cockpit, it put less strain on the bowman. Hoisting will be easier as there is less friction in the cockpit compares to the hatch, the chute is reachable and manageable, the Pittman will now be in charge of the drop, and there is no worries about water coming in from the hatch in choppy sea condition.

Why do i still favor a hoist from the hatch? I am going to take some of my words back, the only advantage I actually see on a cockpit hoist is that water does not comes in from the hatch. A hoist from the hatch will enables the spinnaker to fill in much faster, with the spinnaker already near the bow it will not take much time for the trimmers to brace the spin sheet and fly the chute. Strain or no strain we just have to deal with it. Flying the spin as soon as possible and getting the boat moving is our main priority. Water coming in from the hatch can be minimize by putting the spin completely inside, or a decent helm-ing .

Sean

Thailand Platu Open 2009

2009-03-21T22:42:00.006+08:00

Last Weekend the 13th & 14th of March 2009, at Pattaya.
I joined Rolf for the Thai Platu Open.
We have with us Aili, Yew and David.

It was a rushing hectic weekend , as we flew in on a Friday Morning
and left on Sunday Evening, I got back to work on Monday morning thinking I need more weekends like this.

On Friday itself, we went on the water, to work out our crew work. After a few hoists and drops plus numerous tacking; we begins to feel more comfortable with our crew work, and were convince we are ready for race.

Like every Race day, Its always a race back to the bar; and we manage to do just that on Saturday and this is how we did it.

Day 1 , Wind speed at 7-12 knots, shifty
Race 1,
We started at the pin, with some shifts we manged to reach the windward mark 1st; we had awesome speed. But after the leeward mark, on the second upwind, we were complacent and a shift enables Scott to make ground and round the windward mark 1st on the 2nd leg.
We were tailing closely and pushing the boat hard,as we went close to the finishing line, they went for the pin while we went for the boat and we ended up losing by a whisker.

Race 2,
Rolf and Dave realize the wind shifted to the left, as we went for a port start at the pin, we were then yelled starboard by the whole fleet. we double tack twice to avoid 2 starboard boats as we stubbornly wants to stay on port. We manage to be the lowest and first boat port boat on course. Others may be too preoccupied to notice the occurring shift, avoiding starboard boats, and staying on starboard tack waiting waiting for another starboard boat to tack, they waited too long and hit the lay line. As the wind shifted more to our favor we manage a decent lead and end the race with a bullet.

Race 3,
We started on starboard . It was not one of those best start. we were late by 5 seconds, but position wise we were lucky, as some boats were OCS, and we were looking at, at least top 3 after the starting line. With some shifts and good boat speed, we manage to break from the fleet and round the windward marks 1st, On the second leg, the windward mark were moved due to the shift, and that further consolidate our position as others seems to be more content, playing safe following us, we then end the race with another bullet.

Race 4,
We started on starboard again, by now, the wind speed drop to around 7 to 8 knots; which is very good for us as our rival look more the heavier boat . We reach the windward mark 1st again commanding a decent lead, and went back 1st .

It was a great day for us, with 3 bullets out of 4 race.

Day 2,
10-17 knots ,Constant and not a single shift.

Race 5,
Call it a day, we were complacent. Scott covered us from the start. through out the race course we were basically in a tacking duel. Chris from the SMU managed a decent lead while we race it out with Scott for the second place. We lost the duel and ended up 3rd.

Race 6,
We were frustrated, again we did not manage one of those good start; and had Scott covering us closely from the start. As we play catching up, Scott managed to get a boat between us, and finish the race with the bullet; as we lost 2nd by a whisker a second time.

Race 7,
We basically blew our lead from Day 1, and are now down to the last race , as we are even on the score sheet with Scott. We thought we had a good start as we set off the start line; but were OCS, to make matter worst; we were already 7-8 boat lengths away from the line when we realize it.
We went back; and and tried to work our way up from the last place. 1st windward we were sixth, and then we push harder, hope for shifts to close up the gaps with fleet in front, by the leeward mark we were 5th; as we try to gain more boat lengths our effort were futile; as the race course ends with us finishing 5th.

Overall Results

	Sail	Boat	Skipper	Total
1	124	The Ferret	Duncanson,Scott	10
2	117	The StringRay	Heemskerk,Rolf	11
3	130	The Fox	Lim,Christopher	18
4	109	YachtPro	Razmilovic,Nils	18
5	120	The Weasel	Razali,Mohamad	33
6	103	Emma Mathilde XX	Jacobsen,Morten	36
7	125	Gulf Charters	Waldron,Ray	39
8	257	Pine Pacific	Yingsiri,Ithinai	40
9	122	Platu	Suyasin,Pote	43
10	112	Magic Dragon	Dover,Steve	58
11	114	Puma	,Kobayashi	62

Full Result @ http://www.omycsailing.com/platuopen09.shtml

Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2009

2009-01-18T20:28:00.002+08:00

It has been weeks, since the Langkawi Regatta was over. It was a good regatta, everyone enjoyed themselves and was happy. But racing is all about result.

We came in forth overall, it was the worst result we had in recent years, wind speed was averaging from 17 to 20 knots, with the highest wind speed at 30knots. It was what we had hope for over the years only for the tide to be turned, the crew did not gel as soon as we hope for , and we fail to get to the start line on-time half of the series.

As the Series proceed, we manage to gain more consistency , start on the line, and ahead of lower handicaps boat. We re- gained our competitive edge , although our result did not improve much but we were getting much better corrected times and manage to break in to the top 3 twice.

Baby Tonga 99 Degrees E capitalized on the wind speed, managing 4 bullets, but they were hampered by a torn front sail and had to retire from 2 races . Thus, handing the series title to Skandia.com Endeavour of Whitby.

Full Race Results @ http://www.langkawiregatta.com/

Premier Cruising

Sail No	Boat	Name	Total	Drop	Score	Place
MAS 88	Skandia.com Endeavour of Whitby	Stuart Williamson (MAS)	14	4	10	1
MAS99	Baby Tonga 99 Degrees E	Antony Hastings (MAS)	25	7	18	2
JPN 777	Phoenix	Neils Degenkolw (DEN)	21	3	18	3
MAL2000	Mata Hari	Vincent Chan (MAS)	30	5	25	4
28000	Aquavit V	Helmut Schutte (GER)	40	6	34	5
SIN340	Rapscallion	Jeff Harris (MAS)	40	6	34	6

Sean