Hong Kong to host stopover in 2017-18 race (updated)

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Hong Kong, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing destinations, will be hosting the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time when the event visits in February 2018 during the 13th edition (full story below, adds up-to-date version of the route map).

– First time iconic port hosts race

– ‘Milestone event’ for Hong Kong sailing

– Fleet due to arrive in February 2018

HONG KONG, April 13 – Hong Kong, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing destinations, will be hosting the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time when the event visits in February 2018 during the 13th edition.

In a press conference today, Volvo Ocean Race organisers announced a unique collaboration with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation to bring the race to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.

It will be the largest world-class sailing event ever staged in Hong Kong.

The world’s premier offshore race will transform the old airport in Kai Tak, and introduce residents of Hong Kong to a wide range of race-related activities geared to educate as well as entertain both existing fans and newcomers to the race.

An in-port race, will also be held in the port before the boats leave for the next leg.

Anthony Day, Council Member of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation, said: “This will go down in history as a milestone event for Hong Kong sailing and will provide a wonderful platform for us to engage more Hongkongers in the sport of sailing.”

Antonio Bolaños Lopez, acting CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, added: “I am thrilled that the race is visiting one of the most beautiful ports in the world for the first time. We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong to the Volvo Ocean Race family and know that we will have a stopover that will be one of the highlights of the 2017-18 edition.

“I would like to pay special tribute to the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and the Hong Kong government for making our dreams of bringing the race here a reality.”

Hong Kong brings the confirmed list of stopovers so far for the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 edition to nine, which includes Alicante, Auckland, Cape Town, Cardiff, Newport, Rhode Island, U.S, Lisbon, Gothenburg and The Hague.

via Hong Kong to host stopover in 2017-18 race (updated)| Volvo Ocean Race.

Hong Kong to host stopover in 2017-18 race DownloadPower Sport Images Download DownloadRicardo Pinto / Volvo Ocean RaceHong Kong, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing destinations, will be hosting the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time when the event visits in February 2018 during the 13th edition (full story below, latest version adds new pictures).- First time iconic port hosts race- ‘Milestone event’ for Hong Kong sailing- Fleet due to arrive in February 2018HONG KONG, April 13 – Hong Kong, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing destinations, will be hosting the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time when the event visits in February 2018 during the 13th edition.In a press conference today, Volvo Ocean Race organisers announced a unique collaboration with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation to bring the race to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.It will be the largest world-class sailing event ever staged in Hong Kong.The world’s premier offshore race will transform the old airport in Kai Tak, and introduce residents of Hong Kong to a wide range of race-related activities geared to educate as well as entertain both existing fans and newcomers to the race.An in-port race, will also be held in the port before the boats leave for the next leg.Anthony Day, Council Member of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation, said: “This will go down in history as a milestone event for Hong Kong sailing and will provide a wonderful platform for us to engage more Hongkongers in the sport of sailing.”Antonio Bolaños Lopez, acting CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, added: “I am thrilled that the race is visiting one of the most beautiful ports in the world for the first time. We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong to the Volvo Ocean Race family and know that we will have a stopover that will be one of the highlights of the 2017-18 edition.“I would like to pay special tribute to the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and the Hong Kong government for making our dreams of bringing the race here a reality.”Hong Kong brings the confirmed list of stopovers so far for the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 edition to nine, which includes Alicante, Auckland, Cape Town, Cardiff, Newport, Rhode Island, U.S, Lisbon, Gothenburg and The Hague.

via Hong Kong to host stopover in 2017-18 race| Volvo Ocean Race.

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Turner to run Volvo Race

31 Mar 2016

Mark Turner has walked away from OC and into the Volvo Ocean Race – photo: Ainhoa Sanchez

VOLVO OCEAN RACE: The Volvo Ocean Race was given a new CEO today in Spain. His name will be familiar to all – Mark Turner.

Mark Turner, one of the most respected figures in professional sailing, Mr Turner has been appointed Volvo Ocean Race CEO, stepping down after 23 years at the helm of global sports marketing company OC Sport.

The Briton, who competed in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989 aboard the maxi British Defender, and masterminded the Dongfeng Race Team project in the 2014-15 race, will take up his new position in succession to Knut Frostad from 7 June.

Turner, 48, said: “There probably isn’t any other post in sailing that could have attracted me today after taking OC Sport through so many different areas of the sport over the last two decades.

“It is a significant responsibility for me to take over the leadership from Knut, who has done such an excellent job of transforming the race in to the sport’s biggest and most commercially viable top-level event.

“As the race with the most significant global footprint in both media and business-to-business terms, and a fascinating history dating back to 1973, there is a huge responsibility not only to the numerous stakeholders, Volvo, and the other team and event partners, but also to the sport of sailing in general. It’s a platform that can really help shape the future of the sport.

“I certainly hope I can add some value and vision to the excellent work of the great team already in place in Alicante, and through that, help to inspire and engage more and more fans, sailors and sponsors, in the future.”

Henry Stenson, chairman of the Volvo Ocean Race board, said he was delighted with the appointment: “It has been a long and thorough process, but I know that in Mark we have found the right person to take on this very challenging role.

“We need a man with the expertise, determination and vision to take the event to the next stage after all the great work done by Knut, and Mark has all these attributes in abundance. The future under his guidance looks very exciting indeed.”

Turner has competed in many of the sport’s leading events including the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Mini Transat, but really made his name in the sport by masterminding Briton Ellen MacArthur’s successful Kingfisher Vendée Globe campaign in 2000-1 when she finished a close second.

He then oversaw her breaking the solo non-stop round the world record in 2005 on B&Q Castorama, taking offshore racing to a wider audience than ever before, both in the United Kingdom and around the world.

Turner went on to launch the Extreme Sailing Series with OC Sport as well as many other leading adventure sports events.

“My personal chapter with OC Sport is now ending, but the spirit and achievements will continue, I’m sure, with the strong team I’m leaving behind,” said Turner. “It has been an honour to work with so many motivated and talented people over the years, and to have been able to use the sporting platforms we’ve created to inspire people from all walks of life.

“OC Sport has enabled me to challenge the norm and innovate in many areas – something that I’m sure the company will continue to strive to do.”

Turner has stepped down fully from OC Sport as both board director and shareholder.

Turner, who is also a very keen cyclist, swimmer and skier, will now undertake a period of leave before taking up his new responsibilities with the race, ahead of the 13th edition in 2017-18 which starts in October next year.

via Boating Business | Turner to run Volvo Race.

Second Clipper Race fatality

02 Apr 2016

Sarah Young wasn’t clipped on when she went over the side…

CLIPPER RACE: A statement on the Clipper Race website outlines the death of 40 year old Sarah Young.

We are deeply saddened to report the death of crew member Sarah Young (40), a company owner from London. Sarah was one of the crew aboard the IchorCoal boat (CV21). Next of kin have been informed and all our thoughts are now with Sarah’s family, teammates, and loved ones on and off the race.

Skipper Darren Ladd reports that Sarah was tidying the cockpit after reefing the mainsail in 35 – 40 knots of wind, when she was knocked from her position by a wave.

She fell back toward the guard wire and was swept under it by another wave at 1127 UTC (2227 local). She was not tethered onto the yacht at this time and was swept away in strong winds.

The boat immediately applied its man overboard drill but was hampered by the conditions and lack of direct visual.

Her body was recovered on board using her AIS signal at 1244 UTC (2344 local), and although resuscitation was attempted and telephone assistance provided by the Praxes Medical Group Doctors, the Clipper Race’s remote telemedicine support service, she never regained consciousness.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed but is suspected as drowning or exposure. All other crew are reported safe and well and the team are working with Race Officials to evaluate the options on diversion or continuing to Seattle.

The incident happened on day 12 of the ninth race in the 14-stage Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, at 39 North, 160 East, approaching the International Date Line.

This current race takes crew across the Pacific Ocean from Qingdao, China, to Seattle, USA and has over 3,242 miles left to its destination.

Sarah was the owner of a personal lifestyle company providing services for private high net worth individuals. A keen adventurer, the Clipper Race had been an ambition of hers for some years, and she said celebrating her 40th birthday just before setting sail from London was the perfect way to start her adventure.

Prior to the Clipper Race she had done other expeditions including spending a year in Sabah, northern Borneo, working for Raleigh Malaysia.

Sarah had also led teams in Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, had been mountaineering in Nepal and did a world-first 18 day trek down the Skeleton Coast unsupported. Sarah had also run a marathon and was a Divemaster. She leaves a partner but no children.

Sarah was one of the round the world crew and aside from missing a couple of races in Australia due to the passing of her Mother, she had sailed more than half the way round the world, with 20,000 nautical miles of racing under her belt between London and China, where the yacht left on March 21.

A full investigation will now be carried out, as is standard practice, into the full details of the incident in cooperation with the appropriate authorities. Race Officials are now supporting the Skipper and the crew through this tragic ordeal.

Clipper Race Founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston stated: “On behalf of everyone at Clipper Ventures, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sarah. She was a very popular and integral member of the Clipper Race family and knew our boats well, having sailed with us since London last summer.

“The safety of our crew has always been and continues to be our main priority and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities.”

The Clipper Race was established almost 20 years ago and this is its tenth edition. This is the second fatality in the history of the race. Andrew Ashman, 49, was knocked unconscious in the early hours as he adjusted the mainsheet – a rope connected to the boom.

Over 4,000 amateur crew have been trained and participated in previous races. Nearly 700 crew are participating in the 2015-16 edition which left London at the end of August, and will return there on 30 July 2016.

via Boating Business | Second Clipper Race fatality.

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Clipper Race: Sarah Young buried at sea

03 Apr 2016

Sarah Young was taking part in the year long race on the ‘IchorCoal’ boat

CLIPPER RACE BURIAL: Sarah Young an amateur British sailor who died after being swept into the Pacific Ocean while competing in the Clipper Race has been buried at sea.

Sarah Young, 40, was washed overboard while taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. At the time she was tidying the cockpit area and was not clipped on. Her body was later recovered by her crewmates.

Race organisers said they had received permission from Miss Young’s partner and family to bury her at sea.

Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has promised a full investigation.

He said everyone involved in the race was in “shock” over the death, adding the probe would focus on why she was not tethered to the yacht.

Miss Young is the second person to die in this year’s event – fellow Briton Andrew Ashman, a crew member on the same boat, died after being knocked unconscious in September.

Despite being amateurs, both Miss Young and Mr Ashman were experienced sailors.

Race organisers said it was arranged that Miss Young would be buried at sea because of the “long time it will take to reach closest landfall”.

After the burial they posted a message on Twitter saying: “RIP Sarah Young – laid to rest in #PacificOcean #ClipperRace – our thoughts are with crew, partner, friends and family”.

Miss Young’s parents are deceased and she has no siblings, but her aunt in New Zealand gave the ceremony her blessing.

via Boating Business | Clipper Race: Sarah Young buried at sea.

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Ian Bruce

29 Mar 2016

Ian Bruce – he and Bruce Kriby designed the Laser dinghy…

LASER DESIGNER: Ian Bruce once said he stumbled into sailing, but he left an indelible mark on the sport as one of the inventors of the Laser – one of the world’s most popular sailboats.

The long time Dorval resident died last Monday in Hamilton, Ont., after a battle with cancer. He was 82.

“He changed the face of sailing in the world,” said Peter Bjorn, a longtime sailing partner, business partner and friend.

A 63 year member of the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club who lived just off the club’s grounds, Bruce was a passionate and accomplished sailor who won many regatta titles and represented Canada twice in the Olympics, in 1960 and 1972.

But he is best known for innovating a new class of small sailing dinghies, designed for the mass market but fast enough to interest the world’s top sailors.

The Laser was chosen as an Olympic class in 1993 and was first sailed in the 1996 Olympics.

In 1969, Bruce, an industrial designer at Alcan and co-owner of a small business manufacturing high end sailboats, came up with the idea of a single-handed dinghy that would be small and light enough to fit on a car’s roof rack.

In a 2013 interview with Sail World, Bruce Kirby, a former journalist at the Montreal Star and Olympic sailor who designed the Laser, said Bruce proposed the idea over the phone in October 1969.

“While we were talking on the phone, I was doing a sketch on a piece of yellow legal paper,” Kirby recalled. The sketch later became known as the “million-dollar doodle.”

Also involved in the project was the late sailmaker and former Olympic sailor Hans Fogh, along with others, including Bjorn.

A celebration of his life will be held May 7 from 4 to 7pm at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club, 1350 Lakeshore Rd. in Dorval.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people make donations to a charity of their choice or encourage someone to learn to sail. Story by Jason Madger in the Montreal Gazette

via Boating Business | Ian Bruce.

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Ed Dubois

30 Mar 2016

Ed Dubois – one of the most talented designers in the world

OBITUARY: One of the world’s top yacht designers, Ed Dubois, principal of one of the leading boatbuilders Dubois Naval Architects, has died Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the age of 64.

His legacy is the many fine and technically advanced yachts he designed, which now sail the world.

Born in London to a non-sailing family in 1952, Ed began designing and building model yachts at an early age, sailing them on the pond in Kensington Gardens.

He recalled being on a rented boat on a pond in Regent’s Park, and as a child understood the feeling of what he called “being propelled by the wind across the water”. The family later moved to Surrey.

Ed trained as a naval architect at Southampton and went on to design several small yachts, making his mark with an offshore racer, Police Car, a 42ft craft that raced in the two-ton class, for Australian owner Peter Cantwell.

She debuted in the 1979 Admiral’s Cup as part of a winning Australian team.

After that, Ed was invited to design his first superyacht, the 37m sloop Aquel II, which was built in New Zealand. A long career in yacht design followed.

Ngoni

Before his death, Ed was working on a yacht due for launch in spring next year: the 190ft Royal Huisman Ngoni, whose nickname inside the Dutch shipyard was “The Beast” due to her towering 233ft rig.

He also designed the highly successful and seaworthy Clipper 68s, the tough boats used by Clipper Ventures to take hundreds of rookie sailors with seasoned skippers round the world for four ocean races from 2005-12.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, founder and chairman of Clipper Race, said: “All in the Clipper family will be sad to hear of the death of Ed Dubois, the internationally renowned yacht designer.

“He designed the very successful Clipper 68s and all those who sailed in the 68s know how seaworthy the boats were and are. We extend our sympathies to his family and his team at Ed Dubois design.”

As well as sailing yachts, the company was renowned for many sail and motor powered superyachts, such as the 152ft Feadship Kiss, launched last year.

Eddie Warden Owen, chief executive of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, said: “Police Car threw him into the yacht racing limelight which his upbringing and personality was more than equipped to enjoy and exploit so that throughout the 1980s he became one of the designers of choice for those who wanted to win the Admiral’s Cup.

De Savary

“His design of Victory of Burnham for Peter de Savary, which was a team member in the British team that won the 1981 Admiral’s Cup, propelled Ed Dubois into the heady world of the America’s Cup, designing a 12-metre yacht for De Savary’s 1983 America’s Cup campaign.

“Not only was he a great designer but he was also a very competent sailor and enjoyed offshore racing. He oozed charisma and charm, which those whom he met could not fail to enjoy.

“I will miss him and I know that all RORC members who will have met him will have good memories of a man who had time for everyone especially sailors.”

His company said that following a period of illness last year he had been in better health and had been working as normal until he was admitted to hospital last week. He died on Thursday .

The company added that the business would continue. Peter Bolke, who is senior designer and has been with the group for 23 years, has become managing director with immediate effect.

The company said: “With one of the industry’s most innovative 58m yachts currently in build and a number of similarly ambitious projects in the design stage, Ed left the business at an exciting moment in its development.

“Peter and his team will be supported by Ed’s great friends, Richard Cunningham and Andrew Prynne QC, Ed’s friend for 50 years.”

A regatta named after him is also part of his legacy. The two-day Dubois Cup, established in 2007, sees classic designs from the studio compete every two years.

Dubois was awarded an honorary doctorate in design by Southampton Solent University in 2004 and was a fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects and Royal Academy of Engineering.

A lover of music, art and travel, Dubois leaves a wife, Honor, and four children. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

via Boating Business | Ed Dubois.

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PRESS RELEASE 31 MAR 2016, 11:03 UTC

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Mark Turner appointed Volvo Ocean Race CEO

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Mark Turner/OC Sport

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Ainhoa Sanchez /Volvo Ocean Race

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Mark Turner, one of the most respected figures in professional sailing, has been appointed Volvo Ocean Race CEO, stepping down after 23 years at the helm of global sports marketing company OC Sport (full story below).

– Will take up new role from June

– Brings sailing, management and marketing expertise to role

– ‘Huge responsibility’ to follow Frostad, says Turner

– ‘I want to inspire and engage more fans, sailors and sponsors’

ALICANTE, Spain, March 31 – Mark Turner, one of the most respected figures in professional sailing, has been appointed Volvo Ocean Race CEO, stepping down after 23 years at the helm of global sports marketing company OC Sport.

The Briton, who competed in offshore sailing’s leading international event as a Whitbread Round-the-World sailor in 1989, and masterminded the Dongfeng Race Team project in the 2014-15 edition, will take up his new position in succession to Knut Frostad from June 7 this year.

Turner, 48, said: “There probably isn’t any other post in sailing that could have attracted me today after taking OC Sport through so many different areas of the sport over the last two decades.

“It is a significant responsibility for me to take over the leadership from Knut, who has done such an excellent job of transforming the race in to the sport’s biggest and most commercially viable top-level event.

“As the race with the most significant global footprint in both media and business-to-business terms, and a fascinating history dating back to 1973, there is a huge responsibility not only to the numerous stakeholders, Volvo, and the other team and event partners, but also to the sport of sailing in general. It’s a platform that can really help shape the future of the sport.

“I certainly hope I can add some value and vision to the excellent work of the great team already in place in Alicante, and through that, help to inspire and engage more and more fans, sailors and sponsors, in the future.”

Henry Stenson, chairman of the Volvo Ocean Race board, said he was delighted with the appointment.

“It has been a long and thorough process, but I know that in Mark we have found the right person to take on this very challenging role,” he said.

“We need a man with the expertise, determination and vision to take the event to the next stage after all the great work done by Knut, and Mark has all these attributes in abundance. The future under his guidance looks very exciting indeed.”

Turner has competed in many of the sport’s leading events including the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Mini Transat, but really made his name in the sport by masterminding Briton Ellen MacArthur’s successful Vendée Globe race in 2001 when she finished second.

He then oversaw her breaking the solo circumnavigation of the world record in 2005, taking the sport to a wider audience than ever before, both in their native United Kingdom, but also around the world.

Turner went on to launch the very successful Extreme Sailing Series with OC Sport as well as many other leading adventure sports events.

He added: “My personal chapter with OC Sport is now ending, but the spirit and achievements will continue, I’m sure, with the strong team I’m leaving behind.

“It has been an honour to work with so many motivated and talented people over the years, and to have been able to use the sporting platforms we’ve created to inspire people from all walks of life.

“OC Sport has enabled me to challenge the norm and innovate in many areas – something that I’m sure the company will continue to strive to do.”

Turner has stepped down fully from OC Sport as both board director and shareholder.

Turner, who is also a very keen cyclist, swimmer and skier, will now undertake a period of leave before taking up his new responsibilities with the race, ahead of the 13th edition in 2017-18 which starts in October next year.

Short biography

Born: Isle of Wight, England in July 1967

1985-90 – Lieutenant, Seaman Officer, Royal Navy

1989-90 – Competed in Whitbread Round the World Race on British Defender

1989-92 – Operations, Sales and Marketing Director, Winning Winches

1992-98 – Marketing Director, Spinlock

1993-2016 – Founder and Executive Chairman, OC Sport

June 2016 – CEO, Volvo Ocean Race

via Mark Turner appointed Volvo Ocean Race CEO| Volvo Ocean Race.

The rise and rise of superyacht regattas

BY ADMIN • FEBRUARY 1, 2016 • HOMEMOSAIC, RACING, REGATTAS • COMMENTS OFF • 198

Despite their size and complexity, these yachts are raced with great skill and determination, often within metres of each other, as seen here at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo. ©Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Not so long ago the boats raced at these events were predominately very much cruising yachts that simply wanted to enjoy some friendly competition during a season spent in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. To some extent that’s still the case, for instance some events have more than half a dozen 80+ foot Oysters on the entry list, albeit some of them with Olympic stars shipped on board for the racing.

Nevertheless, there’s now also a growing demand for enormous dual-purpose performance cruising yachts that can be converted to racing machines for these events. For a few years these yachts appeared to be becoming ever larger, with some of the latest launches more than 60m (200ft) in length and each successive generation pushing the boundaries of both technology and existing sailing skills.

Stunning locations – this is part of the Costa Smeralda near Porto Cervo – is a big part of the attraction. ©Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Approaching a mark rounding with a yacht of that size fully powered up is an awesome experience, but with plenty of potential for something to go badly wrong. The current trend, however, appears to be for a consensus towards a sweet spot at around 120ft, that still provides incredible power married to sumptuous accommodation, but is also small enough to give a more direct feel of the boat.

The growth in popularity of such regattas has undoubtedly changed the nature of superyachting for many owners, with these events providing a rich social scene in addition to the contest afloat. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, for a group of highly competitive people, as superyacht owners tend to be, the prizes are almost unbelievably modest. The clearest example of this is surely found in one of the earliest popular superyacht regattas, the Barth’s Bucket, the main prize for which is, as the name suggests, a beaten up old metal bucket.

The boats are always an awe-inspring sight when racing. ©Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

As well as events for genuine superyachts of more than 80ft length, there are also others organised by top brands of production yachts, including Oyster and Nautor’s Swan. In many ways these are just as prestigious, even if the boats are predominately smaller and more cruising oriented. For instance, Nautor runs events annually in two of the world’s premier destinations – Porto Cervo in Sardinia and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, both sponsored by Rolex.

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A year of change on the World Match Racing Tour

BY ADMIN • MARCH 10, 2016 • BREAKING NEWS, HOMEMOSAIC, RACING • COMMENTS OFF • 62

Williams celebrating his record breaking sixth world championship title. Photo: © Robert Hajduk – WMRT

Following the culmination of the 2015/16 match racing season that saw British sailor Ian Williams’ GAC Pindar team lift the world title for a record sixth time at the end of January, the WMRT has announced a new format for the top rank of international match racing.

Instead of a six to eight stop tour around the world, with each event counting for points towards the overall championship result, the earlier events on the calendar will simply buy qualification to a final end of season event, the outcome of which will decide the next world champion.

Next season the championship is moving to ultra-high performance M32 catamarans. Photo: © Robert Hajduk – WMRT

The first World Championship qualifier takes place this March in Fremantle, Australia, with subsequent events taking place in Long Beach, California; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Newport, Rhode Island, USA. In turn, each of these have two qualifying events, given new committed teams the potential to make it right through to competing in the world championship. The Tour describes this as, “…an unprecedented opportunity for young and ambitious sailors to make their mark on the professional racing world.”

Ian Williams’ team GAC Pindar (left) dominated the final of the Monsoon Cup. Photo: © Robert Hajduk – WMRT

A short 2016 season will culminate with 20 teams racing in Marstrand, Sweden in July. In addition to the world title, the winner of this event will also take home a significantly increased bonus prize of US$1 million, making it the largest cash prize in the sport of yacht racing by a margin that is nothing short of phenomenal.

This year will also see competition moving from a variety of different monohulls – historically each venue has provided a different class of boat – to the ultra-high performance M32 catamaran. The format of the racing will also change to reflect the developments in America’s Cup racing over the past few years. The World Match Racing Tour will therefore once again be positioned as a de facto feeder for America’s Cup talent, regaining a position it lost when the Cup changed from heavy monohull yachts to hi-tech giant foiling catamarans.

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