Mirsky Racing Team Wears the Polka Dot Jersey in St Moritz

[Source: Mirsky Racing Team] The third day of Saint Moritz Match Race sees MRT win the round robin stage and fast track to the semi finals in stunning fashion as they eliminated current WMRT leader Mathieu Richard.

Once again Saint Moritz provided some very difficult conditions for sailors as winds varied from 5-18 knots with 80-degree wind shifts.

MRT had four remaining races against difficult opponents but with good pre-starts and solid boat handling they managed to secure three victories from four races.

Video highlights from the 3rd day of the St Moritz Match Race. St Moritz, 4 September 2009. Video copyright World Match Racing Tour

An all important race against Mathieu Richard to decide the winner of the round robin saw a red flag penalty off the start line which gave MRT the jump. The French Team sailed strongly to pass on the downwind and narrowly take the lead around the first bottom mark. A close upwind saw the French lose their lead as MRT ground them down after a vicious tacking duel and take the lead and go on to secure the round robin without having to sail the last race against Presti.

"It’s a great feeling to skip the quarters and go straight through to the semi finals, tomorrow we will be watching the quarterfinalists closely to help us decide who to pick for our semi final match", said helmsman Torvar Mirsky at the commencement of racing.

Tomorrow positions 2-7 will race off for the remaining three positions in the semi finals.

Quarterfinals
Yanmar Racing Peter Gilmour vs. ETNZ Blackmatch Adam Minoprio
Bahrain Team Pindar Ian Williams vs. K-Challenge Seb Col
Joe Fly Francesco Bruni vs. French Match Racing Team Phillip Presti