Marstrand not part in the World Match Racing Tour

Source: www.WorldMatchRacingTour.com

The World Match Racing Tour has made an adjustment to its 2005-'06 season schedule after organizers of the GKSS Match Cup (formerly Swedish Match Cup) were forced to cancel their event due to funding difficulties.

The 2005-'06 World Tour schedule is reduced to eight events from nine. The season will conclude as planned with the Toscana Elba Cup - Trofeo Locman on Elba Island, July 11-16. There are two events leading to the final, the ACI Cup (May 23-28) and Match Race Germany (June 1-5).

The loss of the GKSS Match Cup, hosted by the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club (GKSS), hurts more than just sailors. As the Swedish Match Cup, the event on the idyllic island of Marstrand, off Sweden's west coast, hosted the final event of the tour season for six years. With a large and enthusiastic crowd on hand annually, it was one of the sailors' favorites.

Splendid weather last year helped draw a police-estimated crowd of 35,000 to 40,000 on Day 4, setting a single day attendance record. Through the final three days local police estimated nearly 100,000 spectators turned out to watch the racing.

The loss of title sponsor Swedish Match AB, which was formerly the title sponsor of the World Tour, was too much for event organizers Peter Klock and Martin Sohtell to overcome.

Scott J. MacLeod, World Tour President, said, "We're very disappointed to see the GKSS Match Cup canceled, we were really hoping they could find a new title sponsor. It's an unfortunate circumstance, but it's hard for events to find funding. The event has a strong heritage and we expect it will be back next year, better than ever."

The season-ending Elba Cup has an early lineup that is as strong as recent years. Two-time World Tour champion Peter Gilmour of Australia and two-time event winner Russell Coutts of New Zealand head the lineup. A field of 12 entries is planned, but it might be increased to 16 entries. -- Sean McNeill