Monsoon Cup starts tomorrow

[Source: World Match Racing Tour]

What — Monsoon Cup, Stage 6 of the 2006-’07 World Tour
Where — Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
When — Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 2006
Organizing Authority — T-Best Events
Host — Terengganu Heritage Bay Club & Marina
Prize Purse — MYR 1 million (approximately $275,000)
Boat — Foundation 36
Racing Area — Pulau Duyong Basin
Who’s Entered — 12 teams including the reigning ISAF Match Racing World Champion and event champion, the current leader of the ISAF Match Racing World Championship standings, five of the top eight in the world championship standings, six of the top 10 in the ISAF Open Match Race Rankings, and six teams representing syndicates for the America’s Cup, including defender Alinghi.

The Monsoon Cup has become one of the biggest sporting events in Malaysia. It was founded to help promote both the sailing industry and tourism in the eastern state of Terengganu, as well as the Terengganu Heritage Bay Club, a resort property development. Now in its 2nd year, the Monsoon Cup is the world’s richest sailing event with a MYR 1 million (approximately $275,000) prize purse. The winner earns MYR 250,000 (approx. $70,000). Last year’s event generated MYR 73 million (more than $20 million) in gross media value, and this year’s event will again have live coverage.

Entry List

Jesper BankSkipper and Helmsman of United Internet Team Germany

Click for more info (DEN) United Internet Team Germany — Tied for 3rd in World Championship standings
Paolo CianHelmsman of Team Shosholoza
(ITA) Team Shosholoza — Tied for 3rd in World Championship standings
Sébastien ColHelmsman of Areva Challenge

Click for more info (FRA) Areva Challenge — Placed 7th in World Championship standings
Peter Gilmour (AUS) Pro Sailing Team — Reigning ISAF Match Racing World Champion and event champion
Björn Hansen (SWE) Team Apport.net — Placed 14th in World Championship standings
Peter Holmberg (ISV) Alinghi — Placed 17th in World Championship standings
Tiffany Koo (MAL) Team Selangor Gapurna — Winner Malaysian Match Racing Championship, first Malaysian woman to compete in Grade WC match-race regatta
Adam Minoprio (NZL) Black Match Racing — Winner Asia Match Racing Championship
Wearn Haw TanTrimmer of China Team
(SIN) China Team — Placed 13th at St. Moritz Match Race in August
Mathieu Richard (FRA) Saba Sailing Team — Placed 6th in World Championship standings
James SpithillHelmsman of Luna Rossa Challenge

Click for more info (AUS) Luna Rossa Challenge — Placed 20th in World Championship standings
Ian Williams (GBR, above) Team Pindar — Leader of World Championship standings