King Ben talks to Valencia Sailing

Shortly after clinching the ISAF World Match Racing Championship, "King" Ben Ainslie talked to Valencia about his victory, what it meant and what the future has in store for Britain's most acclaimed sailor.

Valencia Sailing: Is this the happiest moment in your sailing career?
Ben Ainslie: Without any doubt it's one of them. It's very hard to compare with the success in the Olympics personally. I think that the interesting thing with personal success and success with a team is that it's actually more rewarding with a team because you have guys to share it with you. It's a collective effort. If you win in the Olympics or in something on your own you are obviously proud of yourself but it's just your own effort. Here it's fantastic to be able to share something like this with friends, mates and a very strong team. It's kind of a different feeling but after what has been a very difficult year for us it's a very good way to end things.

Valencia Sailing: The "difficult year" has been something you have repeatedly referred to during the press conferences in the Monsoon Cup. Why is it so?
Ben Ainslie: Our goal as a team, and the real reason we were match racing or sailing in the TP52's, was the buildup to the America's Cup. We wanted to have a strong team, working with designers building TP52's, with the sailing team in that class and then in the World Match Racing Tour developing our match racing skills. For that all to be taken away was obviously extremely disappointing. It's been a tough call for us to come here and turn the tables on Minoprio and Richard in the World Championship and the Monsoon Cup. This says a lot about a team in a very positive way to end the season. A lot of people would have just walked away from it after Sir Keith decided we weren't going to go ahead. We stuck with it and we now are world champions.

Valencia Sailing: Sir Keith Mills obviously had his reasons when he decided not go ahead with a challenge in this Cup. Do you share his opinion it is extremely difficult to beat BMW Oracle?
Ben Ainslie: I believe it is very, very difficult and I would be incredibly surprised if anyone could beat them in this cycle of the Cup. Just simply because they obviously have the resources and the time is very, very tight. We did a lot of research and we thought we could it but you are already late now! There is only one other team so far that have confirmed their entry. Unfortunately, it's going to be extremely difficult to beat them and I understand they want to hold on to the America's Cup. They are the defender and they want to take into a new exciting future with multihulls and wingsails. Honestly, my true feeling is that I don't know whether they will be successful but I actually hope they will because for me and the rest of the guys here our sailing careers have quite often depended on the America's Cup. So, it's very important for us they are successful and they turn it into a great event once again.

King Ben and the Team Origin crew sail towards their first World Match Racing Championship. Kuala Terengganu, 5 December 2010. Photo copyright SubZero Images / World Match Racing Tour

Valencia Sailing: If they do have success and it becomes a very successful event for the foreseeable future will that mean you will also personally sail, at some stage, on multihulls?
Ben Ainslie: Absolutely. I don't know about the rest of the guys but speaking for myself it's the plan I have. I'm focused on the 2012 Olympics but also to get involved with multihull sailing and start learning about that class of boat and that style of sailing. That's very important because more than likely the America's Cup will be on multihulls for the foreseeable future.

Valencia Sailing: Does this mean you will join some Extreme 40 sailing team in the near future?
Ben Ainslie: Yes, I've been talking to a couple of teams and I might do some of the racing in 2011 although I will really focus on the Finn sailing next year and try to qualify. It's going to be very tough in the UK. It is possible though I might end up doing a few of the Extreme Sailing Series.

Valencia Sailing: Have you ever match raced on an Extreme 40?
Ben Ainslie: No, never. but I think it's going to be a very different type of match racing. I don't think you'll see this sort of tight, close, contact situations we had here. The start will be pretty critical and I think there will be some pretty big gains and losses off the start line and from there it will be all about defending your lead. The pressure differences in multihulls make a much bigger difference than they do in monohulls so their might be some opportunities for the boat behind downwind but I think that the start and the first beat will be super critical, only the distances between the boats will be greater.

Valencia Sailing: If again it turns out to be a very successful event, not only in this edition but for a number of editions, do you envisage a "DNA shift" in the sport of sailing where their "environment" is not made up of Optis, Finns or TP52's but Hobie cats, Tornados and Extreme40's?
Ben Ainslie: I don't think so because the multihulls aren't something new, neither is the wingmast.

Valencia Sailing: Definitely, but it is the very first time they are in the sport's pinnacle event.
Ben Ainslie: That's correct but you know people that want to be involved with the America's Cup will have to learn those boats and skills but most kids, when they are learning to sail the first thing they are looking forward is grabbing the youth championships and the Olympics. Multihulls might come into the Olympic games but in total they will be in monohulls in the foreseeable future. I don't see a huge shift in the sport.

Valencia Sailing: Talking about the Olympics you didn't sound overly optimistic about your position in the UK team. Did I get that wrong?
Ben Ainslie: Well, your place is never guaranteed. It isn't the America's Cup. Just because you won the Olympics it doesn't mean you have a guaranteed entry. We have a very strong squad in the UK with 4-5 guys in the top 10 of the world and it's going to be tough. I'm obviously optimistic and I'm very positive about the next 6 months and the fitness, training and racing I have to do in order to get back to the top level for the regattas next summer which are going to be key to my qualifications.

Valencia Sailing: Last but not least, is it too early too talk about the 2016 Games?
Ben Ainslie: Yes, very early! However, I love sailing in Rio, I have sailed there a few times for Finn and Laser championships and I loved it.

Ben Ainslie, brand new ISAF World Match Racing Champion

Ben Ainslie and TEAMORIGIN - Iain Percy, Christian Kamp, Matthew Cornwell and Mike Mottl showed world-class match racing skill in the tricky conditions presented by the Terengganu River this morning, to win the coveted 2010 title.

Having knocked Mathieu Richard out of the semifinals yesterday, Ainslie had the best possible chance of winning the Championship. His chances got even better when this morning, Richard was beaten 2-0 by Bruni in the 5-to-8 knockoffs and was renegaded to 8th place in the Monsoon Cup overall leaderboard.

All the British had to do was beat Björn Hansen in the semifinal and they did just that. They went on to take both races in a commanding way and advanced to the finals. Regardless of the outcome of the Monsoon Cup finals against Torvar Mirsky, Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy, Christian Kamp, Matthew Cornwell and Mike Mottl are the world's best match racing crew in 2010.

It's a pity we won't witness what could be a clash of titans in 2013 between Ben Ainslie and James Spithill at the 34th America's Cup.

Video: Peter Gilmour gets black flag!

Peter Gilmour gets black flag in his race against Ian Williams. Kuala Terengganu, 5 December 2010. Video copyright World Match Racing Tour

Ainslie Beats Richard to Take a Step Closer to World Match Racing Champion Title

Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN took control of his battle for the ISAF Match Racing World Championship today by defeating his arch rival Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team in the Quarter-Finals of the Monsoon Cup, the final leg of the tour and is guaranteed to land the title if he goes on to win the regatta.

Ainslie picked the Frenchman for the Quarter-Finals to take his nearest rival for the championship out of contention at the earliest opportunity – a bold move given Richard held the advantage in head-to-heads this season. It was a well calculated risk though.

Ainslie was dominant at the start of their four races, however Richard was in no mood to concede. In the first race the Frenchman quickly closed the gap, but was on the give way port tack and had to duck behind the British skipper. However, in a classic and perfectly executed manoeuvre, Ainslie bore away by the maximum amount allowed by the rules, putting Richard firmly in his sights. The Frenchman didn’t respond and there was a mammoth collision, with the umpires ruling in Ainslie’s favour.

Richard continued to push hard, but couldn’t recover in that race and made an appalling start in the next, being over the line at the gun earning a red flag penalty for a second collision. Yet he maintained impressive composure to slowly claw back Ainslie’s advantage, then rolled past him on the first downwind leg and held the lead to the finish.

Highlights from day 4 of the Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2010. Video copyright World Match Racing Tout

With the match evenly poised, Ainslie started to turn the screws on Richard in the next two starts. Having gained the lead, he was able to control both races around the course, to win and progress to the Semi-Finals.

Ainslie cannot afford to rest on his laurels though. With Richard managing to squeeze into the Quarter-Finals yesterday by ousting defending champion Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing, the Brit must now finish in either 1st or 2nd place in the Monsoon Cup, depending on how Richard performs in the play-off for 5th to 8th places.

“It was a big deal for us to knock Mathieu out and very important for the overall results for the championship. The conditions were really difficult but the team did a great job - we're very happy to have come through it. We still have a lot of work to do - the Semi-Finals are going to be another big battle, whoever we pick to race”, reflected Ainslie.

While Ainslie got his choice of opponent spot on, Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar will rue his pick. Having reached the Quarter-Finals with an impressive 10-1 scoreline, he opted for event wildcard Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team who, ironically, was the man to inflict the one defeat on the Englishman during the Qualifying Stages.

Williams continued his rich vein of form to take the first race, however it was a false dawn. Hansen rallied his team and within 5 minutes of the start of the second race, he was ahead and never looked back to level the scores. It gave the Swede the impetus he needed and the remaining two races looked almost a formality for him, finishing ahead by some margin in both.

Rising Australian star Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team, was the only other sailor starting the day with a chance of winning the World Championship and produced a masterful display to comprehensively defeat match racing legend Peter Gilmour 3-0, and keep alive his slim hopes of winning the title.

The pair took to the water with Gilmour holding a slight edge over Mirsky with an 8-7 career record. The first match was a tight as the record, with both skippers mustering all their experience to get the advantage. Almost level and both on starboard, Mirsky started to pull away and then stamped his authority on the race by tacking to cross Gilmour before tacking back onto Gilmour’s wind to effectively seal the win.

The photo of the day. Ben Ainslie and Mathieu Richard collide. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2010. Photo copyright SubZero Images / World Match Racing Tout

Flight 2 saw Gilmour try to get the upper hand in the dial up by rolling Mirsky to port but it was Mirsky who led Gilmour to the first mark, rounding it 2 lengths clear - a lead he held to the finish.

With Gilmour in desperate need of a win he got off to a strong start, but it was Mirsky who found better pressure on the first beat and rounded the mark 12 seconds ahead. Mirsky held the stronger current on the right hand side of the course extending his lead and take the victory.

The result leaves Mirsky relying on results to fall his way to capture his maiden World Championship. To stand any chance he must win the Monsoon Cup and hope that Richard finishes no higher than 8th and that Ainslie cannot do better than third.

Only one Quarter-Final match went to five races - Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team vs Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra. In the deciding race they started at opposite ends of the line, with Radich at the buoy. It was the right place to be and the Dane had built an invincible lead by the time he reached the first mark.

Claims that this is the most enthralling climax to the ISAF Match Racing World Championship are proving well justified – this is the first time the race to become World Champion has gone down to the final day of the final event of the Tour.

Quarter-Final results:

Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 3
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 1

Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team 3
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 1

Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team 3
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 2

Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 3
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 0

Video: Big crash between Ben Ainslie and Mathieu Richard

Big crash between Ben Ainslie and Mathieu Richard in their Monsoon Cup quarterfinal match. Kuala Terengganu, 4 December 2010.

Monsoon Cup - Day 2: Ian Williams is on a roll; leads undefeated 7-0

Despite the very light and tricky conditions that prevailed throughout the second day of the Monsoon cup, closing event of the 2010 ISAF World Match Racing Championship, one skipper came out unscathed. Ian Williams, the British world match racing champion in 2007 and 2008, managed to weave his way through the Malaysian "minefield", as Jesper Radich called it, and finish the day at the top of the leaderboard with perfect 7-0 score.

To say that it was tough in Kuala Terengganu would be an understatement. While the rain might be a mere nuisance for the sailors, the fact it didn't let the breeze to go over 6-7 knots was frustrating. In addition, as PRO David Tallis put it, there was no pattern at all in the wind shifts. It could go right 90º at one moment and then back left a few minutes later. This led to very technical situations, putting a prime on calling the right tactics. Leads could extend or be reversed in a matter of minutes if the wrong side was chosen.

Highlights from day 2 of the Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 2 December 2010. Video copyright World Match Racing Tout

Nevertheless, Williams showed he's in excellent form and didn't lose a single race. The amusing fact is that two days ago he was written off from the world title but if this qualifying tour is an indication of what will take place later on, he's on the right track.

The main contender to the title, Mathieu Richard, seems to be under pressure, sitting 7th with three wins and 5 losses. However, according to Richard, he reacted today going from a 4-0 down. However, he faces three of the toughest matches tomorrow with no others than Mirsky, Robertson and Minoprio. It might all come down to the last match of the qualifying series to decide who advances to the quarterfinals.

Results after 10 flights of the qualifying series

1. Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 7-0
2. Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 5-1
3. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 5-2
4. Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team 5-2
5. Francesco Bruni (ITA) Team Azzurra 4-2
6. Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team 3-3
7. Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 2-4
8. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 2-4
9. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing Team 2-4
10. Keith Swinton (AUS) Black Swan Racing 2-4
11. Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing 2-5
12. Jeremy Koo (MAL) Koo Racing Team Evernew 0-8

Monsoon Cup - Day 2: Ainslie scores decisive victory over Richard

Even under light conditions it's always a privilege to be onboard Team Origin's "Fab Five", Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy, Christian Kamp, Matthew Cornwell and Mike Motti. The British crew definitely creamed the French with a perfect start and a great first beat. Iain Percy saw the lefty coming and the British yacht hit the starting line on the pin end and with greater speed. The first beat saw Ben Ainslie's lead extend as Richard got caught on the right side of the course. Ainslie rounded the first weather mark clearly ahead and kept his advantage until the finish line. It definitely is a difficult day for Mathieu Richard.

Prestart of the race Ben Ainslie vs Mathieu Richard. Kuala Terengganu, 2 December 2010. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Monsoon Cup - Day 2: Preview

Greetings from Kuala Terengganu, home of the Monsoon Cup. First of all, my apologies for the lack of updates on the opening day but a terrible cold knocked me down. Things are shaping up better today for me but not weather-wise. The storms have passed through after a heavy downpour during the entire night but wind conditions are still fickle. It's no secret the Monsoon Cup is tricky but as Cameron Dunn said in the race against Phil Robertson that's the beauty of it because it creates interesting situations.

The race committee is out trying to set up a course and hopefully they can get going relatively soon. Mathieu Richard will be seating out of the first two flights (4 and 5) but his day will be tough, to say the least. Starting in flight 6 he's scheduled to face Ainlsie, Gilmour, Radich and Swinton. After a painful first day there is no doubt at all the Frenchman is under a lot of pressure.

Prestart of the race Peter Gilmour vs Phil Robertson. Kuala Terengganu, 1 December 2010. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Monsoon Cup - Day 1: Ian Williams shines while Mathieu Richard struggles

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar made an impressive start to his Monsoon Cup campaign by posting a 3-0 scoreline in the opening Qualifying Session in Kuala Terengganu whilst Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team did little to silence his rivals, losing both of his match races.

Richard, who has both defending champion, Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing and Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN breathing down his neck in the race for the championship, needed a strong start here in Malaysia. An early defeat to Ian Williams was followed by a match against Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team. Having picked up a penalty in the pre-start, Richard tried to wind it off at one of the mark roundings but forfeited his lead in doing so, allowing the Swedish skipper to take control of the race and finish 45 seconds ahead. It was a bad time to lose for the first time this season against the Swede.

Highlights from day 1 of the Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 1 December 2010. Video copyright World Match Racing Tout

The Frenchman reflected: “Not the start we wanted at all today. We had two bad starts. In our first race again Ian Williams there was a shift before the start, so we suffered. Against Bjorn Hansen, he was sailing well today. We might have a strong record against Bjorn but he beat us today and that is the only result I care about. The only thing we can be sure of is that we must do much better tomorrow.”

Despite these defeats, the Frenchman will be buoyed by the mixed fortunes of his nearest rivals, with Minoprio losing to Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team and Ben Ainslie going down to the increasingly-impressive Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing to take the polish off his two opening victories.

Ainslie was earlier involved in an epic battle against this season’s most consistent skipper, Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team in what commentator PJ Montgomery deemed “match racing at its best.” Radich picked up a red flag penalty early in the race, allowing Ainslie to take what started to look like an unassailable lead. However, on the first run Radich got just ahead and when the two boats crossed the fireworks started. After two dial-downs in quick succession, Ainslie luffed Radich, pined a red-flag penalty on him and then held his lead to the finish.

Off the water, Terengganu Menteri Besar YAB Dato Seri Ahmad announced that discussions are already underway ensure the Monsoon Cup remains part of the World Match racing Tour beyond 2012. In what is already the richest event on the Tour, offering nearly $500,000 in prize money, Dato Seri Ahmad revealed that an increase in the prize purse is being considered:

“Obviously we want the Monsoon Cup to stay here beyond 2012. Perhaps we can offer more prize money if that will help us secure a longer contract. All the facilities are already in place and it will be a waste if we can’t extend the contract. The additional prize money will come out of the state’s budget as we want to keep the event in Terengganu as it has been a big boom for the state.”

Results after 3 Flights:
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 3-0
Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN 2-1
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team 2-0
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 1-0
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Team Azzurra 1-0
Keith Swinton (AUS) Black Swan Racing 1-0
Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing 1-1
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 1-2
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing Team 0-1
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
0-2Jesper Radich (DEN) Gaastra Racing Team 0-2
Jeremy Koo (MAL) Koo Racing Team Evernew 0-3

Monsoon Cup - Day 1: Preview

3:40pm local time: The downpour is finally over and now that the official opening ceremony has finished, racing is scheduled to start at 4pm local time (9am CET).

Good morning from rainy Kuala Terengganu, home of the Monsoon Cup, closing event of the 2010 World Match Racing Tour. This is set to be the most exciting and thrilling edition of the Malaysian event with 5 sailors aiming the world match racing champion title. Any of Mathieu Richard, Adam Minoprio, Ben Ainslie, Torvar Mirsky and Iain Williams can be the 2010 ISAF World Match Racing champion next Sunday.

Racing starts at 12pm local time (5am CET) with two extremely important match at the very beginning. In match 1 Mirsky will face Minoprio and in match 2 the two Brits, Williams and Ainslie will race against each other. After the first two flights are completed the grandiose opening ceremony will officially kick off the event and at 4pm local time (9am CET) racing will resume. Race officials hope to gave another 4 flights, weather allowing.

Racing is streamed LIVE online every day, right here on Valencia Sailing. In an another innovation aimed at trying to make the sport of sailing more attractive to the general media, some of the skippers will be wearing biometric belts that will be sending the signal back to the TV production room. For the first time we'll be able to have the world's top match racers under "observation" in real-time, having their heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature on our screens. They are the same biometric belts the Chilean miners were wearing during their rescue, after they were trapped in their mine.

Mathieu Richard is probably the one feeling the most pressure. He's so close to achieving what he has been fighting for during the last few years, to be crowned world champion, but it will be nothing but straightforward for the French. His results in the last two match racing events he took part in were far from stellar. He failed to make it through the qualifying series in Bermuda in October, latest WMRT event, while last week we was beaten in the quarterfinals by Phil Robertson in the Australia Cup, a grade 2 qualifying event for the Monsoon Cup. In yesterday's press conference Richard dispelled the worries, stating he felt confident and that the Australia Cup was a very useful training regatta for his crew. In order to have his world title guaranteed, Richard has to finish in the top two positions. If he doesn't make it to the finals then the world title could go to any of the remaining top 4 skippers, depending on their respective results.

His most immediate opponent, Adam Minoprio, seemed quite more relaxed. He is the reigning world champion, a title he conquered again right here in the Monsoon Cup a year ago at the age of 24. His future as well is clearer than most of his competitors. Whatever the result might be in Malaysia, starting next week Minoprio will be working full time on the Camper / Team New Zealand team in the current Volvo Ocean Race. In fact, the Spanish-Kiwi entry in the round-the-world race will announce its full crew on December 15th.

Finally, the third skipper with good chances at the word title, Ben Ainslie, could be the least stressed of the three. He's an accomplished Olympic sailor with three gold medals and although a world match racing title would be welcome his main goal is the preparation for the 2012 games. He can hit the waters in Kuala Terengganu much more relaxed.

Monsoon Cup practice day and skippers press conference

Greetings from rainy Kuala Terengganu, home of the Monsoon Cup. The 12 sailors fighting for the Malaysian trophy were divided into two groups of 6 and carried out their practice sessions until the early afternoon. The practice day started slowly with a light breeze but finished under much fresher winds as the monsoon rain was approaching from the north.

I didn't have the time to talk to the sailors, especially the top five that vie for the ISAF World Match Racing Champion title, as I went onbaard Torvar Mirsky's yacht right after arriving at noon. Mirsky's team practiced a few races against their fellow young Australian, Keith Swinton, as well as Ian Williams. Mirsky, mathematically, still have chances to become the brand new world champion but they are considerably slim. A lot has to come to his favor but with such a strong lineup, Phil Robertson, Keith Swinton, Peter Gilmour or Jesper Radich could spoil the party for Mathieu, Richard or Ainslie.

The five skippers with chances at the world title, Mathieu Richard, Adam Minoprio, Ben Ainslie, Torvar Mirsky and Ian Williams will talk in a press conference starting at 5pm local time (10am CET) that will be streamed online, here on Valencia Sailing as well, so there will be many chances to ask them any questions.

Some of the video footage certainly leaves a lot to be desired but it was just experimental, trying to get more of the action, from the front and from in front, not the back. The more time I pass on those yachts the more I'm convinced sailing could become more popular with a cameraman onboard. The question of course, is where to put him.

Torvar Mirsky and his crew train on the eve of hte Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Torvar Mirsky and his crew train on the eve of hte Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Video copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Torvar Mirsky and his crew train on the eve of the Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Trimmer Kinley Fowler in full action. Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Kyle Langford trims the mainsail and calls tactics while Torvar Mirsky helms. Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Pitman Tudur Owen in full action. Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

No, I was NOT on Keith Swinton's yacht but with so much at stake there is no doubt we will be seeing more of that kind of extremely close racing . Kuala Terengganu, 30 November 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Valencia Sailing goes to the Monsoon Cup

There will most probably be no updates during Monday as I'm travelling to Kuala Terengganu for the Monsoon cup, the closing event of this year's World Match Racing Tour.

It will undoubtedly be the closest and fiercest event with five skippers vying for the ISAF World Match Racing champion title. Any of Mathieu Richard, Adam Minoprio, Ben Ainslie, Torvar Mirsky and Ian Williams can be crowned world champion next Sunday and all the variables and possible scenarios couldn't be better described than the excellent, succinct table below.

We'll be back in full force on Tuesday morning, Malaysian time, with photos, videos and interviews from the official practice day.

Monsoon Cup: Sailing's richest event

Few could have imagined back in 2005 that a match racing event in a then-unknown port on the eastern coast of Malyasia would turn out to become a showcase of how inshore sailing events should be organized and, more importantly, the world's richest sailing event with a total prize pool of RM 1.5 million, close to US$ 500,000.

With the start of the 2010 Monsoon Cup just around the corner, Valencia Sailing talked to the event's Operations Manager, Shafique Iqbal, the person that makes sure the Monsoon Cup is "like no other event in the world", as stated Triple Olympic gold medallist, Ben Ainslie.

The Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina, venue of the Monsoon Cup
The Monsoon Cup started in 2005 as a part a showcase of a big infrastructure development in Kuala Terengganu, initiated by the Malaysian government. A new marina was built, together with a brand new resort next to it while the river mouth was dredged and reshaped and a new fishermen wharf was constructed. In what has become a trend in the last few years, the regatta is conceived as a marketing tool for major infrastructure and tourist developments.

For the event promoters, the Monsoon Cup put Kuala Terengganu on the world map but also brought an important number of cruise and leisure boats to their marina. Traditionally, all of Malaysia's marinas face the Strait of Malacca while Kuala Terangganu is the only one in the country on the Southern China Sea and it has now become a much-welcome stopover for the constantly-increasing number of leisure yachts on those waters. Power and sail boats from China, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand or even as far as the UK, now make a stop at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina. Facilities are of a world-class level and further improvement and expansion are in the pipeline until the entire master plan is fully implemented.

The purpose-built facilities in Kuala Terengganu have nothing to envy, even when compared to Formula 1 tracks. The two-story building on the waterfront houses the media center, the enormous broadcasting center, the VIP & hospitality lounges, the sponsor booths as well as the sailors lounge and gym. All that, a few dozens of meters from the race course. One could claim the sailing stadium was invented there.

World-class facilities built at Ri-Yaz by Malaysian Entrepreneur Patrick Lim. Photo copyright SubZero Images

Big organization for a world-class regatta and year-round activities
The Monsoon Cup core team consists of 10 people that work full-time round the year while another five join the time approximately half a year before the start of the event. However, the bulk of people joins a few days before the start and can reach up to 150. This small army of people take care of every small detail on and off the water, ranging from race operations, media & TV operations, VIP & guest staff, technical staff to food & beverage staff, spectator activities or even at the airport, helping sailors & guests.

However, not all racing activities are focused on the week the Monsoon Cup takes place. The Malaysian Match Racing Championship and the Asian Match Racing Championship take place in the month prior to the Monsoon Cup. These two events serve as qualifiers for the actual regatta and provide two spots, one for a Malaysian skipper and another one from Asia. As a result, the months of October, November and early December are by far the busiest ones in Kuala Terengganu.

The purpose-built facilities don't become a ghost town though in the rest of the year. The organization has a busy program of corporate sailing activities, team building programs as well as two match racing schools. The first one is located in Kuala Terengganu and caters to non-sailors that get initiated to the sport of sailing while the second one, the Monsoon Sailing School, targets Malaysian sailors that want to hone their skills under the tutelage of experienced match racers. It was established in 2009 and is located in Putrajya, south of Kuala Lumpur. The Monsoon Sailing School is a first step in the creation of a permanent match racing fabric not only in that country but throughout Asia. In fact, in 2010, just its second year of existence, the Monsoon Sailing School attracted sailors from Turkey and the Philippines.

Ri Yaz Marina Building the Home of Monsoon Cup. Photo copyright SubZero Images

Making sailing popular in Malaysia and Asia
Like in the rest of South East Asian countries, sailing in Malaysia is still a niche sport, despite the rapidly increasing numbers of a relatively affluent middle class and the fact the country is surrounded by the sea. One of the targets of the Monsoon Cup organizers is to precisely break the myth sailing is only for the rich and this is gradually being achieved, according to Iqbal.

During the Monsoon Cup and its related events, over seven days, more than 100,000 people visit the public areas to watch the races and participate in the related activities. The vast majority of the crowds are local residents and the attendance figure is quite big if one considers that the entire population in the Kuala Terengganu area is about 390,000 people. The large majority of them come out to the opening concert which is a huge production. There is also a number of visitors coming from Kuala Lumpur or other regions of the country but the event caters mainly to the local population. For many locals the Monsoon Cup is an entertainment otherwise unavailable because the Terengganu state is quite conservative and, for example, there are no cinemas in Kuala Terengganu.

The drive to spread sailing to a grassroots level now comes as well from the event's main sponsor, the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports. The country's federal government, through this ministry, provides approximately 60-70% of the event's total budget. As a result, the ministry desires a return that is prominent throughout the year and not just in the few weeks running up to the event. Not only does the Monsoon cup have to put Malaysia on the world sailing map it needs to deliver sporting results. Through the various sailing schools the aim is to bring up the level of Malaysian sailors and why not have a fully-Malaysian team participating in the World Match Racing Tour in the not so distant future.

Finally, another main objective of the ministry, as a spin-off of the Monsoon Cup, is to establish and develop a local boat building and repair industry, which forms part of the Minister of Youth & Sports Dato’ Sri Ahmed Shabbery Cheek agenda of developing industries around sport and sporting events.

Karnival Monsoon draws a huge crowd of families. Photo copyright SubZero Images

Promotion, marketing and sponsorship
The Monsoon Cup brand is widely known around the country but Iqbal and his team don't rest on their laurels. Two months before the event they start their media campaign in the country's three major newspapers and a month later they also include the local media in Terengganu. The campaign consists of the usual advertizing banner but also, more importantly, a continuous stream of news and stories about the event. Advertizing on outdoor billboards along the main highways also forms part of their campaign while a very effective method, according to Iqbal, was used in 2008 and 2009 and consisted of placing billboards on 1,000 taxis in Kuala Lumpur.

In addition to the public sponsors, the Monsoon Cup counts among its suppliers some of the major Malaysian corporations. By far the most important ones are Telecom Malaysia known as TM that provides all the telecommunications and Internet infrastructure and Malaysian Airlines and its regional subsidiary FireFly that provide the air travel of sailors, guests, VIPs and the organization.

Five skippers vie for the World Match Racing champion title

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] With five skippers still in with a chance of winning the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) as the series heads for the final event of the season at the Monsoon Cup, WMRT has drawn comparisons to the recent grandstand finish in Formula 1 which saw four drivers go into the final Grand Prix of the year with a shot at winning the title.

Just as F1 had a sting in its tail with Vettel, who went into the last race in third place, snatching the title, WMRT is being tipped to have an equally dramatic climax at the Monsoon Cup, which is being held at the five-star Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa in Kuala Terengganu from 30 November to 5 December.

Matthieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team will go into the final event of the year with a 15 point lead over defending Champion Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing while Ben Ainslie (GBR) TEAMORIGIN is just two points further back. Australia’s Torvar Mirsky, Mirsky Racing Team and two-time World Champion Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar are also still in with an outside chance.

Sailing pundit Mark Chisnell, who has watched the action unfold throughout the season, has called into question championship leader Matthieu Richard’s preparation saying: “I was interested to see that he’s chosen to race in Perth just before the Monsoon Cup. Mathieu is very methodical in his preparation, and I’m sure he’s got a plan, but this year his worst results have come in events that followed closely one after another – not a particularly good omen for him.”

While Chisnell believes the race is too close to call between Richard, Minoprio and Ainslie, he has all but written off the chances of Williams and Mirsky adding, “Even if I was a betting man, I wouldn’t put a pound on it, it’s just too close. I’d only say that it will be Richard, Minoprio or Ainslie – too much has to go the way of Mirsky or Williams for them to come from behind and take it. But after that, it’s wide open.”

Chisnell has also warned of the impact the rest of the field will have in deciding the outcome. With all the skippers having to take part in the Qualifying Round Robin to win their place in the knock out stages no-one is guaranteed a place in the final.

Alluding to the importance of the rest of the teams, Chisnell said, “They could have a huge impact – last year, it was decided when Peter Gilmour beat Torvar Mirsky in the quarter-finals. Gilly couldn’t overhaul Minoprio to win it by then, but instead, he stopped the man who could.”

From the Monsoon Cup to his Future in Match Racing: Francesco Bruni Outlines his Vision

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] Francesco Bruni (ITA) Bruni Racing Team may not be in the reckoning to win this year’s ISAF Match Racing World Champion crown however that has not dented the ambition of this inspirational Italian to win the second most prestigious prize on the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) - the Monsoon Cup.

“The Monsoon Cup is the most prestigious event on the World Match Racing Tour and we want to win it to prove our worth. That is why we are participating in it.”

The WMRT took the chance to sit down with Francesco Bruni to hear his views on the Monsoon Cup, who he thinks will win the ISAF World Match Racing Tour this year and what the future holds for him and match racing.

You are currently in 7th place on the standings ISAF WMRT. Will you consider this season a success if you win the Monsoon Cup?

Bruni: "We have decided to participate because we want to close the season by participating in the event that is the most prestigious of the entire season-we want to prove our worth".

The top five teams in the current standings (Richard, Minoprio, Ainslie, Mirsky and Williams) are all in with a chance to win the ISAF World Match Racing Championships?? this year. Who do you think will win it and why?

Bruni: "I don’t think Richard will miss this opportunity and I hope he doesn’t. He has never won the Match Racing World Championship - he has finished 2nd and 3rd before, and this would be the proper recognition for a very successful season. He had a dip in the middle of the season which allowed other teams to come back into the fight for the championship, but Richard has the experience to win. I’ll be cheering for him.”

Francesco Bruni on day 2 of Portimao Portugal Match Cup 2010. Portimao, 24 June 2010. Photo copyright Gareth Cooke / Subzero Images

What are you and your team’s plans for the future in the WMRT?

Bruni: "I don’t know exactly what my future will be, but I want to stay competing on the WMRT. Team Azzurra has decided not to participate to the America's Cup and I hope that my future will still be in the America’s Cup. The America's Cup is a match race and the WMRT is always the best battlefield in match racing”.

Young sailors such as Adam Minoprio, Torvar Mirsky and Phil Robertson (and as we saw in Bermuda, the young American Taylor Canfield) are performing well on the WMRT circuit. Do you feel the quality of competition in the WMRT has increased over the last few years?

Bruni: "The level of competitiveness has certainly increased. The WMRT is a great mix of experienced and young sailors who are dedicated to match racing. In recent years, young sailors have won more and more - that is positive. Despite the young age of many of the sailors, the level of professionalism in the WMRT is very high. "

The WMRT recently announced several big changes and plans for the WMRT, such as an increase in prize money, a target to add six new venues to the Tour calendar by 2013 and a new boat design plan. What is your opinion on these changes and do you feel these will benefit the Tour?

Bruni: "Increasing the winning prize will make the WMRT more exciting and interesting. It is also less costly now for us as a team. As for new venues - there are venues that have invested so much and others less so, so this is a positive strategy that will improve the overall Tour venues. Those who have invested less in the past will see what additions are required."

What are your views on the announcement made by the America's Cup and do you feel this will impact at all on the future of the WMRT?

Bruni: "For me, the WMRT will live its own life because it is a circuit that is now very successful regardless of the decision of the America's Cup. The WMRT format is working very well and is very addictive. On top of this the Tour has a huge global audience"

Phil Robertson wins Asian Match Racing Championship title

[Source: Monsoon Cup] 23-year old New Zealand skipper Phil Robertson (Waka Racing) today showed why he has the scalps of some of the top guns on the ISAF World Match Racing circuit hanging on his belt.

The Asian Match Racing Championship sailed on the Pulau Duyong Basin in Terengganu, Malaysia, is one of three qualifying events ahead of the 2010 Monsoon Cup, the final event on the World Match Racing Tour.

Robertson defeated up and coming Australian match racer David Gilmour, the 19-year old son of four times World Match Racing Champion Peter Gilmour, in the final.

David Gilmour swept through the first of the round robins undefeated and finished the two round robins in second place, having twice beaten Phil Robertson and his Waka Racing Team.

In the semi finals, Team Gilmour steadied after a first match loss and went on to beat Wataru Sakomoto's Team Siesta (JPN) 2-1. Robertson was impressive against Reuben Corbett (Black Sheep Racing) and his Malaysian crew winning two races (2-0) to go straight through to the final.

Phil Robertson wins his second consecutive Asian Match Racing Champion title. Kuala Terengganu, 28 October 2010. Photo copyright SubZero Images / Monsoon Cup

In the first race of the final between Gilmour and Robertson it was tight in the prestart, with Robertson pushing his younger rival and in the fast moving tide Gilmour was OCS by half a metre, he had to go around and it was game over.

In the second race, the two crews were about even in the prestart with Robertson on the pin, when they came together as they approached the top mark; the two boats were bow to bow.

Roberson had to duck but he initiated a luffing match just before the top mark and managed to round ahead.

His crew had a slightly better set and down the run there was a tight gybing duel, with Gilmour losing a little ground.

But up the second beat the West Australian threw everything he could at the Waka Racing Team. Gilmour was determined not to die wondering. A dozen tacks later, Roberson had edged ahead to a two boat length lead and with a better set at the top mark, he edged away from Gilmour to take the win.

Dockside Robertson paid compliments to Gilmour, Sakamoto and Corbett and to his crew.

‘We have a big edge on David and his crew in experience. David is only 19, so he is sailing scarily well. We are really pushing for a World Match Racing Tour card for 2011. So we won't be leaving any stone unturned in our efforts between now and the Monsoon Cup. We have a grade one event in Berlin next week, then the New Zealand Nationals and then the Australia Cup, so our plan is to arrive back here in Terengganu right on the pace for the Monsoon Cup.'

David Gilmour was gracious in defeat. ‘We were beaten by a better crew this afternoon. Naturally we are disappointed to lose twice against Phil when we'd beaten him in both round robin matches.

‘But when it came down to the end, it was Phil's experience that made the difference. This is a game of seconds; we mistimed our first start and then in the second match we were just a little late in a few manoeuvres and he got away from us. This has been a good learning regatta. We are on the plane back to Perth tonight. I have Uni exams next week but we will be back again next year and we will be ready to take another step up.'

Wataru Sakamoto Team Siesta (JPN) was certainly not asleep, taking third place against Reuben Corbett.

‘We had a good series, we were very happy with our third place. We had our chances against Gilmour but every mistake is just one too many. The Monsoon Cup and the qualifying events have been great for Asian Match Racing. This was great training for us for the Asian Games; they are on in Guangzhou from November 12 - 27, 2010. We plan to be back next year. The only problem for us is that young Gilmour will be tougher and still only 19.'

New Zealander Reuben Corbett finished an impressive fourth in this event with his ever improving Malaysian crew and Corbett was full of praise for them. ‘They have just kept getting stronger every single race.

‘Overall the right guys won. Robertson was on fire, just not making mistakes. Gilmour obviously has a great future and Sakamoto was very strong.

‘Now I have a busy schedule ahead. With my Black Sheep Racing crew we will be sailing the New Zealand Nationals and the Australia Cup, trying hard to pick up the third Monsoon Cup slot from there.

‘We will be racing against Ian Ainslie from South Africa, the two Aussies Peter Nicholas and Keith Swinton, and another New Zealander William Tiller, so we are looking forward to another great series.'

After losing time on a windless afternoon yesterday, Principal Race Office David Tallis was relieved to have had the wind back for the finals day.

He summed up the event. ‘It was exciting racing; the standard has lifted significantly again this year, at both last week's Malaysian titles and here at the Asian Championship. The difference between first and fourth today was just a matter of a few metres. I was very impressed with Phil Robertson, I can see him in the semi finals at the Monsoon Cup the way he is progressing and David Gilmour definitely has a big future in this sport.'

Sakamoto flies the flag for Japan as Robertson takes the lead in the Asian Match Racing Championship

[Source: Monsoon cup] Wataku Sakamoto (JPN) Team Siesta is guaranteed a top four finish in the Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC) as Mother Nature wrecked havoc on the third day of the event at the five-star Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa.

After two-days of strong winds which saw a total of 16 of the scheduled 18 flights in the qualifying sessions completed, Sakamoto is fourth with a 9-5 record.

Defending AMRC Champion Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing (12-2) shrugged off his two defeats to David Gilmour (AUS) Team Gilmour (11-3) to top the standings ahead of his rival at end of racing, while Reuben Corbett (NZL) Black Sheep Racing is third (10-4).

Phil Robertson, currently leading the Asian Match Racing Championship, reports on day 3 of racing. Kuala Terengganu, 27 October 2010. Video copyright Waka Racing

The AMRC is the second qualifying event for the season-ending Monsoon Cup and the Champion will join Jeremy Koo (Mas) Koo Racing Team-Evernew, winner of the Malaysian Match Racing Championship (MMRC), the top eight skippers in the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) standing, the winner of the Sunseeker Australia Cup and one wildcard entry for the season-ending race of the 2010 season.

The plan was for the top four to face off in the semi-finals with the winners than going on to the final to decide who gets the invitation to race in the Monsoon Cup. However, Principal Race Officer, David Tallis said if there is no wind tomorrow, there could be just a final.

“This is a sport which is dependent on the weather and there really isn’t anything we can do. I remember the 2003 America’s Cup was also delayed by two weeks as there was no wind,” he said.

“We have several options available to us and we are still determined to finish Qualifying Session 2 as that will be fair to all teams.

“If that is not possible, we would have to rescore the teams and make the semi-finals and final a ‘first to two’ instead of first to three as this will shorten the time. If, in the event, we can’t start the semi-finals by 3pm, we might go straight into the final. I would like to stress, that nothing is set in stone and we will evaluate our options in the morning.”

Phil Robertson leads the Asian Match Racing Championship. Kuala Terengganu, 27 October 2010. Photo copyright Subzero Images / Monsoon Cup

Meanwhile, Sakamoto said placing in the top four has made him even more determined to win the title before he competes in the Asian Games next month.

“Before coming to Malaysia, I wasn’t sure how the team would do. Obviously, we were not the favourites as there are many good teams,” said Sakamoto. “However, after two and a half days here, I feel we stand a good chance of winning. I'm here to prepare for the Asian Games and winning the AMRC will be a big boost for me and also help promote the sport back in Japan. It will also help me get more sponsors!”

ASIAN MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP - STANDINGS (After 16 of 18 flights)
Phil Robertson (NZL) WAKA Racing 12-2
David Gilmour (AUS) Team Gilmour 11-3
Reuben Corbett (NZL) Black Sheep Racing 10-4
Wataru Sakamoto (JPN) Team Siesta 9-5
Graeme Sutherland (HKG) Team Hermes 7-8
Peter Nicholas (AUS) Freshie Racing Team 6-8
Mark Lees (GBR) 5-9
Tan Wearn Haw (SIN) SINYIDAI 3-12
Neil Semple (THA) Capital TV 1-13

WMRT: Monsoon Cup provides 26 times return on investment

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] The Monsoon Cup, the final event on the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), has released positive figures for the Return on Investment (ROI) that the 2009 edition produced. Monsoon Cup is one of the most significant events on the Tour as it hosts the finale of the World Series where the ISAF Match Racing World Champion is crowned.

Three extensive, independent audits were carried out by Brand Advantage, Boulder Creek International and MSC Technology Centre to evaluate the benefits this unique match racing competition, awarded with ‘special event status’ by the International Sailing Federation, has brought to Malaysia. The Monsoon Cup is the ideal sporting platform to introduce the World to Terengganu, Malaysia and has boosted revenue in the local economy.

Analysis of the results concluded that Stage 10 of the 2009 World Match Racing Tour delivered an overall KPI achievement of 97.5% and the Event Media and Brand Value to Malaysia was valued at RM 538,833,381 (USD 164,806,049). This produces an incredible 26 point multiple on the overall Return on Investment.

Ben Ainslie sails in the final of the 2009 Monsoon Cup. Kuala Terengganu, 6 December 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

This figure incorporates a print media value of RM 24,367,767 (USD 7,453,056) and an international broadcast media value of a staggering RM 270,658, 458 (USD 82,782,828) as well as an estimated visitor expenditure of RM 7,083,992 (USD 2,166,689). The audit results also include a range of tangible and intangible benefits measured by an exclusive proprietary economic model specifically designed to value an event’s rights and benefits.

Dato’ Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Youth and Sports Minister to Malaysia, is delighted with the KPI as his ministry has been involved in the success of the WMRT event, working hand-in-hand with the local event organiser. “I would like to thank the Monsoon Cup organization Team for a job well done”, he went on to build momentum for the upcoming 2010 event which will run 30 November – 5 December saying, “Hopefully the KPI achievements will be even better for this year”. The minister highlighted the global penetration of the World Match Racing Tour with television broadcasting now reaching 183 countries, up from 45 in the first year, and now achieves a total of 1.63 billion potential households.

The former Prime Minster of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was a key figure in promoting the Monsoon Cup, commented on the importance of this event in bringing Malaysia to the World, “The success of the Monsoon Cup has benefited Malaysia as more people now know the beauty of this region and the hospitality we offer”.

The America’s Cup style event has also attracted an unprecedented number of spectators to attend a sailing competition; in 2009 100,000 fans flocked to watch the World’s best match racers in action. This figure has doubled since 2008.

Chairman of the Monsoon Cup, Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik, is also proud of the recognition the event has received through awards, “The 2009 Monsoon Cup earned 3 international awards from the WMRT for; Best Overall Event, Best Spectator Experience and Best Innovation.

The ISAF World Match Racing Tour is now looking ahead to the 2010 Monsoon Cup, 30 November – 5 December.

Monsoon Cup - Day 3: Onboard action

Good morning from Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia and the Monsson Cup, final event of the World Match Racing Tour. The third day of the event is by far the best. There is a nice, albeit slightly light, breeze, good temperatures and

I will be onboard various yachts today, so the update will come after the end of racing. We will have reports from Mirsky's yacht in his race with Holmberg and onboard Team Origin's Ben Ainslie in their race against Mathieu Richard.

Then in the quarterfinals, we'll be onboard either Torvar Mirsky's or Phil RObertson's yacht. Stay tuned.

Monsoon Cup - Day 2 - Flight 13: Ainslie leads with 7 points; Robertson on "steroids" upsets world match racing order

[Sorry but there are no photos from that flight] The last flight of the day had two clear protagonists; Ben Ainslie and Phil Robertson, the former for leading the round robin with 7 points and the latter for continuously upsetting the world's match racing order.

Ben Ainslie had to race against Malaysia's match racing champion, something of a formality for a 4-time Olympic medalist. After his easy victory, the skipper of Team Origin and his crew are now sitting on the top of the leaderborad with 7 wins and 2 losses and have surely set their eyes on Friday's quarterfinals.

Yet, the flight's, and day's, big protagonist is Phil Robertson and his WAKA racing team. The team of young kiwis was on some kind of match racing "steroids" today, winning all 5 of their races. The last one to fall was Sweden's Magnus Holmberg who got a penalty at the prestart and despite leading throughout the race he didn't build a margin big enough to offload the penalty and win the race.

WAKA Racing came to Kuala Terengganu being considered one of the teams that probably wouldn't make it to the semifinals and they are currently sitting on 2nd place together with Mathieu Richard, one point behind Ainslie.