YANMAR Racing Team reports on Final Day of Match Cup Sweden

12:09 PM Tue 7 Jul 2009 GMT

'Peter Gilmour celebrates with YANMAR Racing, Kazuhiko Sofuku, Cameron Dunn, Yaji Yasuhiro, Thierry Douillard at Match Cup Sweden' Dan Ljungsrik Sweden Match Cup Click Here to view large photo

Final day's report from Peter Gilmour's YANMAR Racing Team - winner of the Match Cup Sweden, part of the World Match Racing Tour.

The weather on the final day of Match Cup Sweden was not the same as the Mastrand weather we know. We faced a set of new conditions with the southern winds and the swell coming in from the bay. It was the day for the semi-finals, and the final.

YANMAR Racing was facing Damiam Iehl (FRA) in the semi finals. In the other semi it was Mathieu Richard (FRA) up against Sebastian Col (FRA).

The race format was the best of five, the same as for the final.

In the semi-finals, YANMAR Racing won three straight races and proceeded onto the finals. Mathieu Richard beat Sebastian Col 3-2 and became YANMAR Racings opponent.

In the afternoon the wind was the same as in the morning, but the waves were weaker. The sea state was difficult with the winds shifting and swaying.

Mathieu Richard is known as a steady sailor. As YANMAR Racing's style is rather aggressive, the team viewed Richard as a good match.

In the first race, Richard led the race but incurred a penalty, and could not recover. YANMAR Racing caught their opponent at the leeward mark where they had good speed and went on to win.

In the second race, YANMAR Racing got off to a good start, held the advatage and and won the race.

In the third race, Richard led the race and protected his course. However, YANMAR Racing gained well in the downwind, caught the shift toward the next mark and levelled before the turn. Neck and neck for a while, YANMAR Racing passed Richard with great spinnaker work and this good crew work sealed the win for YANMAR Racing finishing 3-0.

YANMAR Racing's team work is developing well and their fourth match win is testament to the team and their improvement.

Skipper Peter Gilmour said; 'Today's race is a result of several hard racing experiences of the past. Failures are essential to be successful, and YANMAR Racing has literally experienced this. We have some time until the next race but we plan to be geared up for the St. Moritz Match Race, Switzerland in September. I noticed that YANMAR Racing was very popular in Sweden and I would like to thank all the people for their support.'

Final - Peter Gilmour (AUS) v Mathieu Richard (FRA) 3-0

Semi Finals Results
Peter Gilmour v Damien Iehl (FRA) 3-0
Mathieu Richard v Sebastien Col (FRA) 3-2

Petit Final - Sebastien Col (FRA) v Damien Iehl (FRA) 2-1

Overall Results

1st - Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
2nd - Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Team
3rd - Sebastien Col (FRA) French Team/K-Challenge
4th - Damien Iehl (FRA) French Team
5th - Magnus Homlberg (SWE) Victory Challenge
6th - Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team
7th - Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team
8th - Philippe Presti (FRA) French Match Racing Team
9th - Peter Wibroe (DEN) Wibroe Sailing Team
10th - Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch
11th - Ian Williams (GBR) Bahrain Team Pindar
12th - Mattias Rahm (SWE) Stena Bulk Sailing Team
13th - Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Team Onico
14th - Francesco Bruni (ITA) Team Joe Fly Match Race

Open class entry list
1.Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing
2.Mattias Rahm (SWE)
3.Magnus Holmberg (SWE)
4.Johnnie Berntsson (SWE)
5.Bijorn Hansen (SWE)
6.Torvar Mirsky (AUS)
7.Peter Wibroe (DEN)
8.Adam Minoprio (NZL)
9.Ian Williamus (GBR)
10.Mathieu Richard (FRA)
11.Damian Iehl (FRA)
12.Philippe Presti (FRA)
13.Sebastian Col (FRA)
14.Francesco Bruni (ITA)

www.yanmar.co.jp/

by YANMAR Racing Team media