1O1O 4G Match Racing International Regatta - Preview
by RHKYC Media 5 May 2014 13:21 BST
16-18 May 2014
Organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and building on the success of the inaugural event in 2013, this year's 1O1O 4G Match Racing International Regatta will feature eight overseas skippers, together with the top four Hong Kong match racing teams from the 1O1O 4G Match Racing Nationals which took place this past weekend. First place in the Nationals went to Laurence Mead, 2nd to Liu Kam, 3rd to Mike Huang and 4th to Herman Wong.
If the wind and harbour traffic allow, the 1O1O 4G Match Racing International Regatta will take place in front of RHKYC's Kellett Island clubhouse in Causeway Bay, with the high rise buildings of Hong Kong Island in the background.
Kiwi Will Tiller will be back to defend his 2013 title, joined by World No. 2 Ian Williams from Great Britain and 12th ranked David Gilmour from Australia. Maximilian Soh (#50) and Gunwoo Park (#107) from Korea will also compete for the second year running, joined by David's brother Sam (#25), 28th ranked Wataru Sakamoto from Japan and Malaysia's Jeremy Koo (#73).
Williams is keen to return for another crack at the title, saying "The 1O1O Match Racing Series is a top level international event with some of the best match racers in the World competing. The racing takes place in Victoria Harbour which is a tricky venue but perfect for spectators to see the racing up close. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is a very welcoming host and all the teams enjoy coming to the regatta."
Marianne Middelthon from Norway will serve as Chief Umpire, with fellow IJ's Masaaki Tanaka (Japan) and World Match Racing Tour Race Director, Craig Mitchell (GBR) heading up an enthusiastic team of national umpires. RHKYC's own Inge Strompf Jepsen will once again be the Race Officer, leading a team of race management and mark laying personnel from the Club.
RHKYC Commodore, Joachim Isler is looking forward to the event, saying "The Club is thrilled to be welcoming a top level contingent of Match Racing sailors and officials for this year's 1O1O 4G International Regatta. Hong Kong will be treated to three days' tactical and exciting racing in Victoria Harbour and I look forward to seeing who emerges as winner."