World Match Racing Tour opens next week

London, UK (April 29, 2015) – Next week the Long Beach Yacht Club in California will play host to the two opening events of the 2015/16 World Match Racing Tour season, The Ficker Cup and Congressional Cup.

Under the World Tour’s new event format launched earlier this year, the top six placed skippers from the Ficker Cup (May 8-10) will be awarded points to the 2015/16 World Championship leader-board. The top two Ficker Cup skippers will also qualify for places at the following week’s opening World Championship Tour Event, The Congressional Cup (May 13-17), this year celebrating its 51st edition.

Congressional Cup website: http://www.thecongressionalcup.com

The three-day Ficker Cup Trophy was established in 1980 by LBYC to honour Bill Ficker, winning skipper of the 1970 America’s Cup and Star class Champion.

2011 Trophy Presentation – with Simone Ferrarese and Bill Ficker. Ferrarese sailed his way into Congressional Cup in 2011- and went on to win it in 2013 © Courtesy of Jo Murray / Long Beach Yacht Club

This year’s eight strong skipper field including New Zealand’s Chris Steele, currently ranked no. 11 on the ISAF Match Race Rankings (International Sailing Federation). Steele is fast becoming a familiar name on the World Tour following appearances at the Argo Group Gold Cup in 2013 and Chicago Match Cup in 2014.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to compete in,” said Steele, of the Ficker Cup; “and the chance for a spot in the Congressional Cup is a bonus. I’ve raced against some of the guys on the entry list before, and the competition is good. But with the guys we’ve got on board, I am more than comfortable we’ve got a good chance.”

Lining up alongside Steele are skippers from all four corners of the U.S: Chris Poole (#25), David Stoors (#29), Peter Holz (#75), Dustin Durrant (#84), Christophe Killian (#91), Charles Lalumiere (#111) and Dave Hood (#302).

A series of double round robin matches will begin the Ficker Cup on Friday 8 May off the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, one of the best known and original stadium sailing venues. The top four competitors will progress to the semi-finals with the finals on Sunday 10 May.

“We’re looking forward to an exciting regatta, with these up-and-coming match racing skippers,” said Camille Daniels, who is co-chairing the event with Mary Voight. “The racers will receive the on-the-water excellence and hospitality LBYC is known for worldwide, and in return, we get thrilling, world-class match racing, right in our own backyard! I encourage the public to come watch the action – it’s free – and cheer on this lively competition.”

Host organiser LBYC will step up another notch from 13-17 May when the world’s top-ranked sailors come to Long Beach to compete in the 51st Congressional Cup regatta. An all-star line-up has been confirmed for this World Championship opener of the World Match Racing Tour’s 16th season.

The Pier will take on a festival atmosphere, with spectator seating, live commentary, special guests, vendors and superb viewing opportunities. Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is located at 5411 East Ocean Blvd, just east of downtown Long Beach, California.

2015/16 World Match Racing Tour
World Tour Event – Ficker Cup Entry List

1. Chris Steele (NZL) ISAF Ranking #11
2. Chris Poole (USA) ISAF Ranking #25
3. David Storrs (USA) ISAF Ranking #29
4. Peter Holz (USA) ISAF Ranking #75
5. Dustin Durant (USA) ISAF Ranking #84
6. Christophe Killian (USA) ISAF Ranking #91
7. Charles Lalumiere (USA) ISAF Ranking #111
8. Dave Hood (USA) ISAF Ranking #302

Background: The World Match Racing Tour is the leading professional match racing series sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). Prize money is awarded for each event, with event points culminating in the crowning of the “ISAF Match Racing World Champion”. Tour website: http://www.wmrt.com