Williams and GAC Pindar look to extend gap at the top in the 'Windy City'
by GAC Pindar 15 Sep 2014 14:25 BST
15 September 2014
Ian Williams and his GAC Pindar crew will take to the water again in the Chicago Match Cup (17 -21 September), looking to consolidate their commanding lead at the top of the Alpari World Match Racing Tour (AWMRT) leader board.
Williams and GAC Pindar currently sit on 72 points; their best ever start to the AWMRT, with their closest challenger Mathieu Richard (LunaJets) on 55 points. With the Dutch Match Cup starting just three days later on 24th September, a strong showing from Williams in both could leave him in prime position for the crucial Monsoon Cup finale at the end of November.
This is the third year the Chicago Match Race Centre in Belmont Harbour has been an official stage of the AWMRT. Chicago, known as the "Windy City" always ensures an exciting stage of racing and is a favourite of Williams' having won the event there in 2012.
There have been a few changes in the GAC Pindar crew this year, with Matt Cassidy leaving to join Team Oracle in the America's Cup and 2014 Etchells World Champion Bill Hardesty focusing on fleet racing this year. Graeme Spence has replaced Cassidy as bowman for Sweden, Poland and Chicago, while Chris Main has been confirmed as tactician for the rest of the AWMRT.
Williams commented: "It is a really important few weeks of racing where a lot will be decided. Positive results in Chicago and Holland would put us in a commanding position, which will be crucial given that the final regatta in Malaysia counts for one and a half points."
"The crew have been fantastic and deserve huge credit. We thank Bill and Matt for everything they have done for us and wish Matt well in the America's Cup. We're delighted to have Chris Main confirmed for the rest of the tour and Graeme Spence is an experienced addition to the crew. The crew transition has gone smoothly and we are working well ahead of the next few weeks, which will have a huge bearing on the final standings.
Williams leads his GAC Pindar crew that will feature Graeme Spence (Bow), Mal Parker (Trimmer) and Chris Main (Tactics).
The 2014 Alpari Match Racing Tour spans seven countries, with the tour's first ever Dutch leg taking place from 24-28 September. The Tour Champion will be crowned at the final event, The Monsoon Cup in Malaysia, which takes place from 24 – 29 November.
To follow all the action from the Chicago Match Race, please visit, www.wmrt.com.