Matthew Humphries wins v.o.60 Class in Gotland Runt

Sailing the former Dennis Conner owned Toshiba, renamed Kaffeknappen, Matthew Humphries with a crew which included his navigator from Dolphin & Youth, Steve Hayles, and the Kiwi America's Cup prodigy helmsman, Cameron Appleton, was the clear winner of the Volvo Ocean 60 class in the Microsoft Gotland Runt 2000.

Kaffeknappen was three hours 34 minutes ahead of the next boat, Gunnar Krantz's SEB (formerly Lawrie Smith's Silk Cut), at the end of the 335 mile race. It was a consummate performance of which Humphries said, 'We had a good game plan and we stuck with it, and a lot depended on being able to control the opposition from the start line.' Appleton, behind the wheel, provided the necessary impetus.

Krantz had to fight off a spirited challenge from the Sydney-Hobart record holder, Stefan Myralf with Nokia (formerly Swedish Match). Myralf briefly headed Krantz, but on the 100 mile leg from the turning mark off Visby, the SEB crew regained the upper hand, finishing 42 minutes ahead of Nokia.

Johan Dahlgren with Avant/Intrum Justitia was another hour and three quarters astern in fourth place.

Overall Results:

1. Kaffeknappen          Matthew Humphries  40:05:28
2. SEB                   Gunnar Krantz      43:39:36
3. Nokia                 Stefan Myralf      44:01:25
4. Avant/Intrum Justitia Johan Dahlgren     45:45:29

More Information: Volvo Ocean Race Website