Entries open for World Match Racing Tour in London

Applications have opened for a World Match Racing Tour event and training camp taking place at London’s Queen Mary Sailing Club in a joint initiative with RYA British Keelboat Sailing.

Match racing sailors are invited to register their interest for what is set to be an international grade 2 event. Three days of match racing in symmetrically-rigged RS21s will take place from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 October 2021 for up to 16 teams, comprising four or five sailors weighing no more than 350kgs in total, with a practice day on Thursday 14 October.

Organisers are also excited to announce that following a new partnership between RS Sailing and the World Match Racing Tour designed to grow participation, the event will be preceded by a three-day WMRT Academy in RS21s for up to 10 teams, led by six-time world match racing champion Ian Williams. The training camp from Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 October will likewise be for teams of four or five sailors up to 350kg and will cost £700 per team.

The deadline for teams wanting to apply for the WMRT Academy and/or the WMRT Event is midnight Wednesday 8 September 2021 and invitations will be sent out by Friday 10 September.

Jack Fenwick, RYA keelboat development manager, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring what we anticipate will be a grade 2 match racing event to the UK and I’d urge teams to register their interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We’re also thrilled to be hosting the first-ever WMRT RS21 Academy, which for those wanting to raise their game will be offering world-class coaching led by multiple WMRT winner Ian Williams.

“If you’re looking for great match racing this really will be an exceptional event and training camp you will not want to miss, and for teams from the US or mainland Europe, it couldn’t be more accessible. London Heathrow Airport is just a 15-minute taxi ride from the club and for competitors who are double-jabbed there are no requirements for quarantine.”

Tony Bishop, Club Secretary and Executive Director of Queen Mary Reservoir Sailing Club, says: “We’re excited and delighted to be hosting the World Match Racing Tour and with great facilities, 704 acres of water, excellent transport links and Heathrow on the doorstep we are superbly placed to welcome competitors from home and abroad. It will be the first time WMRT has been here in many years and we’re looking forward to welcoming competitors from around the world.”

James Pleasance, executive director, World Match Racing Tour, adds: “We are delighted to be working with the RYA and RS Sailing to support this first WMRT Academy in the UK. It is a fantastic opportunity for sailors to try match racing in ideal boats at a great venue, as well as learn from the very best in the sport. I would encourage those interested to sign up as soon as possible and we look forward to meeting everyone in October.”