World Match Racing Champion lead China Team at LV

5:58 AM Tue 18 Nov 2008 GMT

'Ian Williams (foreground) covers Peter Gilmour in pre-start at Monsoon Cup 2007, where he won the World Match Racing title' Sail-World.com/ AUS &copy Click Here to view large photo

China Team have announced that 2007 World Match Racing Champion Ian Williams has signed on to be the new skipper of China Team America's Cup program for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2009.

With his 2007 title win, which he won in the sem-finals of the last 2007 World Match Racing Tour event, the Monsoon Cup in Malaysia, Williams became the first Englishman to win the World Match Racing Tour title in the event's 19 year history.

He is at the top of the leaderboard again in 2008, as the Tour heads to its final event once again, the Monsoon Cup in Terengganu Malaysia on December 3rd , and is ranked Number Two in the world by the International Sailing Federation.

'China Team was looking for a young dynamic sailor with the right combination of experience, enthusiasm, attitude and leadership skills to get the program going in the right direction,' said Stuart James, Executive Director of China Team Sailing. 'Ian is a guy around whom we can build a great program.'

Ian Williams and Bahrain Team Pindar - Match Race Germany 2008 - World Match Racing Tour &copy

Williams will play an instrumental role in the overall development of the team, its sailors and the development of AC China Team's domestic sailing program. AC China Team is building globally competitive sailing teams, comprising Chinese and foreign sailors, to compete in different events around the world. AC China Team will also develop sailing events in China for international competition in Chinese waters.

'I am very excited to be joining China Team for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series. The regatta promises some excellent racing and it is a fantastic opportunity for the new team to start building towards the next multi-challenger America's Cup,' said Williams.

'China has a strong and proud history in sailing and I hope that our participation in this and future regattas can assist in making China a great sailing nation once again'

Team Owner Wang Chaoyong commented: 'Our relationship with Ian Williams allows us to take AC China Team to the next level as we seek to develop China's team sailing community, and its ability to compete in international waters. I am proud to be able to continue to support this outstanding international sailing program.'

In addition to this new role Williams will be continuing his current position as Bahrain Team Pindar's match racing skipper.

by Rob Kothe/LV Media