Williams aiming for Stena Match Cup Sweden at Marstrand

Ian Williams, Richard Sydenham, James French and Ricky McGarvie with the Boysterous Trophy, winners of the Royal Southern Match Cup 2015 © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com

Reigning champion Ian Williams is ready to mount a charge up the overall leaderboard of the World Match Racing Tour at the Stena Match Cup in Marstrand, Sweden (June 29 – July 4).

Fresh from his triumph at the Royal Southern Match Cup, the GAC Pindar skipper, currently in third place overall returns to a venue which has proved a favourable hunting ground – in 2011 Williams won for the first time and last year he was runner-up to Bjorn Hansen (Hansen Sailing Team).

118,000 visitors lined the coast of Marstrand in 2014, and a large crowd is expected to witness the world's top sailors compete in the world championship event. A win would set Williams and GAC Pindar back on track to win a record sixth World Match Racing Tour title.

Williams comments: "It was great to get some hours out on the water at the Royal Southern Match Cup and we were delighted to come away with a victory. The Stena Match Cup presents a more thorough test, with challenging winds and currents to contend with, and a more experienced field of competitors. However we're confident can put ourselves in contention and get back on top of the podium after finishing second last year."

GAC Pindar Team Principal Andrew Pindar comments: "We're looking forward to seeing Ian back in action at the top level of World Match Racing Tour competition. The Stena Match Cup is a fantastic event and it's a pleasure to be here after a successful end to the Volvo Ocean Race in Gothenburg. It's been a big couple of weeks for sailing in Sweden, and we hope Ian can impress the large crowds that are expected here."

The Stena Match Cup begins June 29 at 0930 GMT+2. For race updates from Sweden please visit: www.wmrt.com

GAC Pindar Crew:

Ian Williams (Skipper)
Gerry Mitchell
Mal Parker
Chris Main
Ricky McGarvie