Sally Barkow has first name on Bermuda Trophy
by Talbot Wilson 23 Oct 2005 21:19 BST
Sally Barkow has first name on Bermuda Trophy © Bob Grieser / PPL
Sally Barkow of Nashotah WI USA is the first to have her name on the Bermuda Trophy - A new trophy to be awarded annually to the winner of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Women's Match Racing World Championship. The elegant silver bowl has been presented by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and will be deeded to ISAF.
Barkow was awarded the prize as 'keeper' trophy in a surprise ceremony at a gathering of the semi-finalists in the Investors Guaranty presentation of the King Edward VII Gold Cup at Government House Bermuda on Saturday night.
This recognizes her victory in the 2005 Virtual Spectator ISAF Women's World Match Racing Championship just concluded in Bermuda. Barkow and her crew of Debbie Capozzi (Bayport, N.Y.), Carrie Howe (Grosse Pointe, Mich.) and Annie Lush (Poole, England) won the finals 3-0 over top American woman sailor Betsy Alison.
The new perpetual trophy which replaces the crystal ISAF Women's Nations Cup trophy which has previously been awarded to the world champion now represents the highest level of achievement in women's match race sailing.
"We are proud to be able to present The Bermuda Trophy to the ISAF," Correia said. " The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club leads the world in match race sailing for both men and women. We have presented the King Edward VII Gold Cup for 'open' match racing since 1987. Now we are putting up this women's world championship trophy and expect it to become one of the top prizes in women's sailing competition.
Representing ISAF at the regatta, Craig Mitchell said, "ISAF welcomes the generous donation of this significant women's match racing prize. The Bermuda Trophy appropriately recognizes the special contribution Bermuda has made to women's match racing. It will be fitting to recognize excellence in women's match racing with this award"