Shenzhen Set to Host the 2024 World Match Racing Tour Final
by World Match Racing Tour 9 Dec 13:03 PST
10-15 December 2024
All geared up for the 2024 World Match Racing Tour Final in Shenzhen © Ian Roman / WMRT
Top match racing competitors have gathered in Shenzhen, China, for the eagerly awaited 2024 World Match Racing Tour Shenzhen Bao’an Final.
This event will determine the 2024 Match Racing World Champion and distribute a portion of the USD 200,000 prize pool.
Teams took the opportunity to become familiar with the venue and boats during their training day today, with official racing commencing tomorrow and continuing from December 10-15. Principal Race Officer Randy Smith (USA) along with Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell (GBR) and a team of ten World Sailing International Umpires will oversee the competition.
The twelve teams competing include a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents who have showcased outstanding skills on the 2024 World Match Racing Tour. Britain’s seven-time world champion Ian Williams’ Pindar by Manusport Logistics is back to defend the title, seeking an unprecedented eighth championship victory. Leading the WMRT standings and holding the number one match racer position globally is Chris Poole and his Riptide Racing (USA), who have had a remarkable season, highlighted by their second consecutive Congressional Cup win in April.
Johnie Berntsson (SWE) and his team enter with momentum from their recent fourth Bermuda Gold Cup victory in October, while Australia’s Cole Tapper, fresh from winning the Youth Match Racing World Championship in Jeddah earlier this month, aims to challenge the veterans.
Making his debut in the event is France’s Ian Garreta, who recently clinched the EUROSAF Match Racing Open European Championship in Marina di Ravenna.
“This is our first time in China and sailing the Fareast 28s. The sailing venue is excellent, and the conditions seem potentially shifty, which we are accustomed to,” Garreta said after training. “This competition presents our greatest challenge thus far in our young career. Despite facing several world champions, we are ready to fight.”
Sailors were welcomed to the venue tonight with local singing, dancing entertainment, and a traditional Chinese dinner.
This is the third occasion the WMRT Final is held in China and the second time at this specific Shenzhen venue, reinforcing its commitment to international match racing.
“We are excited to host the World Match Racing Tour Final again in Shenzhen,” stated WMRT Executive Director James Pleasance. “The competition level this year promises thrilling races, and the support from the Bao’an District highlights the rising enthusiasm for match racing in China.”
The competition will take place using Fareast 28R keelboats, which were also utilized in this year’s GKSS Match Cup Sweden, where Chris Poole made history as the first American skipper to win the event.
How to Watch the Racing
Stay informed as the action unfolds with live updates on WMRT’s social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, along with daily highlights on YouTube.
Live race results can be tracked at matchracingresults.com
Visit the World Match Racing Tour websites for further information.
