3:34 PM Tue 20 Apr 2010 GMT
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'Close Racing Action at Match Race Germany 2009'
Richard Walch ©
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The 13th edition of Match Race Germany, Stage two of the ISAF World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), will be starting on May 19th and running through to May 24th. Match Race Germany is one of the longest running events on the infamous World Match Racing Tour that encompasses a massive 10 regatta series during 2010, over a nine month period. The racing will be live on the internet this year, a first for Match Race Germany, which is seeking to attract a wider worldwide fan base.
The 12 team line up from eight different countries will again provide some spectacular match racing at the picturesque Langenargen, Germany on Lake Constance. Top names include current ISAF Match Racing World Champion; Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing, Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team; - legendary match racer with 15 WMRT event wins to his name; Peter Gilmour (AUS) Yanmar Racing - winner of the 2010 Stage one event; Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team - double ISAF Match Racing World Champion; Ian Williams (GBR) Sail Bahrain - Paolo Cian (ITA) Team Italia - 2010 tour card holder; Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team - come back king; Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Victory Challenge - furious Dane and previous Match Race Germany winner; Jesper Radich (DEN) Radich Racing Team as well as Mads Ebler (DEN) Ebler Matchracing and Ian Ainslie (RSA) Team Proximo.
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Bavaria 35 Match challenges the skipper in tight race conditions - Richard Walch ©
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Match Race Germany has attracted these top helms not only through the promise of valuable World Match Racing Tour ranking points and high quality race management, but also for prize money in excess of US$60,000. Competition will be tough especially with lake racing involved, Richard enjoys the challenge of Lake Constance, "the conditions in Langenargen are often very hard and difficult to sail, but I love it!"
2010 will also see the first ever female to helm at Match Race Germany. Kathrin Kadelbach (GER) EWE Sailing Team will be racing with her tactician, Ulrike Sch?mann, this duo are also campaigning for the Games to be held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in 2012. Sch?mann explained the team dynamics, "with light winds, women do not have a big disadvantage, and for the strong winds we will have three strong men in our crew who will have to work a little harder."
The Southern Germany location is proud to be hosting this prestigious event seen locally as a sailing festival. Eberhard Magg, organiser of Match Race Germany, commented, "We are very happy to once again be able to present a high calibre world class fleet to our predicted 40,000 fans and visitors again. Match Race Germany is, and will stay a magnet for sailing heroes and upcoming stars at international level, which is made possible through support and encouragement from our sponsors."
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Ian Williams Sail Bahrain races Ben Ainslie teamOrigin at Match Race germany 2009 - Richard Walch ©
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All the action from this professional sailing series will be streamed live for 2010 via the internet and big screens at the event venue with the addition of Nils Kaben, the renowned German TV sailing expert, commentating on the activity.
Training will be available for two hours to each team on May 19 where some will experience for the first time the Bavaria Match 35 yachts designed by German manufacturers, Bavaria Yachtbau.
Sailors, families and WMRT fans will be able to enjoy the festival atmosphere of Langenargen during Match Race Germany. A family friendly programme will be available with free entry to the event village including; live music, interactive entertainment, international food and drink stalls and on site taster sailing sessions for children.
The final skipper list for Stage two will be announced shortly.
by WMRT
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Manly, QLD
