Great Conditions For Practice Session

The practice session for the ISAF Grade 1 Marseille International Match Race took place yesterday in Marseille, France in superb conditions. Stars from four America’s Cup teams and some of the world’s top match racing talent are now set for a fascinating showdown.

Sunny skies and west south westerly winds between 7 and 13 knots greeted the ten competitors for the practice sessions which were taken seriously by all, the competitors measuring each other up before racing gets underway today.

Now a well established annual event in the world of Match Racing, the fourth edition of the Marseille International Match Race will again be organized by the Yachting Club de la Pointe Rouge (YCPR), and take place on Marseille’s Southern bay.

The first matches of the Round Robin will take place today with the first start planned for 1000 (local time).

The presence of members of four teams engaged in the America’s Cup not only paves the way for an exciting competition for the sailors but is also expected to attract large numbers of spectators who will benefit froma running commentary by experts, explaining the intricacies that can prove so decisive in match racing.

Marseille International Match Race Entrants
(Team, – ISAF World Match Race Ranking)

• Mathieu RICHARD (FRA) – 6


• Paolo CIAN (ITA) – 7


• Sébastien COL (FRA), K-Challenge – 9


• Eugeny NEUGODNIKOV (RUS) – 10


• Staffan LINDBERG (FIN) – 11


• Matteo SIMONCELLI (ITA) – 12


• Philippe PRESTI (FRA), Luna Rossa – 15


• Dimitri DERUELLE (FRA) – 31


• Peter HOLMBERG (ISV), Alinghi – 35


• Jes GRAM-HANSEN (DEN), Mascalzone Latino – Capitalia Team – 57