Baltic Match Tour, an innovative concept in match racing

The Baltic Match Tour is a new and unique Match Racing event that was founded and first conducted in 2009. The concept is the brainchild of Swedish Match Racing sailor Björn Hansen, one of Sweden’s top skippers who won Match Cup Sweden in 2007.

The tour consists of three ISAF Grade 2 regattas sailed ‘back to back’ and is held over nine consecutive days in Sweden, Estonia and Finland in August. At the conclusion of each individual event all teams travel by overnight ferry to the next venue.

The Baltic Match Tour adds a new dimension to Match Racing. Each team's ability to maintain focus and physical endurance plays a major part in their overall success. This element provides new areas of interest for media and spectators alike.

Twelve teams are invited to compete in each Baltic Match Tour events. Ten of the twelve contest the entire tour whilst the remaining two are local wild cards. These local teams selected by the event organiser have the chance to compete against the top international teams.

The tour is organised by the Stockholm Match Race Center, a specialist sailing event company. Together with Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap, the Match Race Center organises Baltic Match Race Stockholm. The events in Helsinki and Tallinn are organised by Nyländska Jaktklubben and the Estonian Match Racing Union respectively.

Race Schedule:
• Stockholm, August 13-15
Organizer: Stockholm Match Race Center and Gamla Stans Yacht Sällskap.
Venue: AtSea (Skogshem) Elfvik, Lidingö.

• Tallinn, August 16-18
Organizer: Estonian Match Racing Union.
Venue: Pirita.

• Helsinki, August 19-21
Organizer: Nyländska Jaktklubben.
Venue: Havshamnen.