omniture

Monsoon Cup Space Up for Grabs at Asian Match Racing Championship 2011

Monsoon Cup
2011-07-14 15:18 1357

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu, will be the place to be come October 2011 as upcoming match race sailors from around the region battle it out at the Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC) 2011.


Tan Wearn Haw and Wataru Sakamoto in a close race at the Asian Match Racing Championships 2010 - Photo by Subzero Images, Mons

Registration is now open for the Championship which will take place at the purpose-built match racing venue, Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa from October 12-15. The AMRC is the official qualifying regatta that determines which team will compete for the honour of representing the greater Asian region at the prestigious Monsoon Cup, the final and deciding leg of the World Match Racing Tour. Last year, nine teams from across the region took part in the AMRC.

A special feature of last year's event, saw the introduction of a rule allowing sailors under twenty five in teams from around the world to participate and compete for a berth in competitive sailing's richest event. The landmark decision was taken by the AMRC to help encourage the development of match racing, by allowing more young sailing talent from around the world the opportunity to race in the Championship.

This year, each participating team will feature five crew members who will sail the Foundation 36 (F-36) boats, the same used in the Monsoon Cup. The winners of the AMRC will have the opportunity to compete with the best international match racers. The winning team stands to not only secure themselves with a coveted spot at the race but also stand a chance to win almost RM1.5 million in prize money on offer at the Monsoon Cup.

Reigning AMRC champion, Phil Robertson of New Zealand is a regular feature on the World Match Racing Tour this year, having booked a Tour Card and is hoping to qualify for the Monsoon Cup with enough points on the leaderboard as the top 8 teams will get an automatic invite to the season ending regatta. With him possibly out of the way, it leaves the Championship open for any team that is hungry for victory.

For further information and regatta details please contact Mira Navaretna at mira@tbest.com.my

About the Asian Match Racing Championship (AMRC)

At its debut in 2006, the AMRC saw participation from five regional teams, including from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, racing in the world-class Pulau Duyong match race circuit, which is also the venue for the Monsoon Cup.

Last year saw a massive increase in interest with over 30 international teams applying for a chance to compete. But only seven selected teams were racing in the AMRC, including two from Malaysia.

Now it has grown to include the participation of youths under 25 from around the globe.

Asian Match Racing Championship Winners 
2006: Adam Minoprio (NZL), BlackMatch Racing
2007: Adam Minoprio (NZL), BlackMatch Racing
2008: Keith Swinton (AUS), BlackSwan Racing
2009: Phil Robertson (NZL), WAKA Racing
2010: Phil Robertson (NZL), WAKA Racing

About Monsoon Cup

Monsoon Cup grew from a simple vision to a world-class experience attended by the cream of the crop in yacht racing. A not-to-be missed yacht race event, Monsoon Cup is the last leg of the prestigious World Match Racing Tour, a professional sailing series featuring eight World Championship events across the globe. Monsoon Cup brings together the world's top sailing teams who will battle it out for a championship trophy and the highest prize money awarded for a match racing event. For more information, please visit: www.monsooncup.com.my

Source: Monsoon Cup
Keywords: Sports
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