WMRT: Monsoon Cup - The Biggest Event in Sailing

Monsoon Cup, Malaysia. Image copyright Gareth Cooke - Subzero Images.

Increase in prize purse moves the total to MYR1.57 Million


Race Advisor Dato Peter Gilmour. Image copyright Gareth Cooke - Subzero Images.

by Rob Kothe

The Monsoon Cup 2009 has confirmed its position as the premier match racing event this year by offering the biggest prize purse in all sailing events worldwide.

This year the Monsoon Cup offers a total prize money of MYR1.57m (~US$454, 000).

The increase is a result of support from key sponsors for the Monsoon Cup which is the final leg of the Tour. The winner pockets MYR360, 000 (~US$104,000) all the way to the last team (12th place) which receives MYR50, 000 (~US$14,400).

Monsoon Cup Race Advisor, Datuk Peter Gilmour said, “This gives the regatta the biggest prize pool available throughout all sailing events in 2009. Importantly, the Monsoon Cup marks the final stage of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) where the ISAF World Champion will be crowned.”


Dato Peter Gilmour and crew won the 2008 Monsoon Cup. Image copyright Sander van der Borch.

The Monsoon Cup which enters its fifth year will be staged at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa from Dec 1st -6th. The inaugural event was held in 2005.

Gilmour noted that the increase in prize money is attributed to the increased sponsorship commitments from the key sponsors and the State Government of Terengganu in providing such outstanding facilities and intra-government support that takes the event to a new level.


Col and Cian in the 2008 Monsoon Cup. Image copyright Sander van der Borch.

The WMRT is the leading professional sailing series featuring nine World Championship events across the globe and the World Tour is sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status alongside such tours which include the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.

WMRT Tour Director Craig Mitchell said, “We are excited to see Malaysia once again producing the biggest prize purse on the WMRT. Match Cup Korea overtook Monsoon Cup in 2007 and now to add an additional 50% to the purse Monsoon Cup is an incredible development”.

“The racing teams normally utilise their prize money and individual team sponsor endorsement revenue that they earn in covering their expenses for airfares, accommodations, damages, race deposits and coaching to support them during the event.” Mitchell said in a statement today.


Gilmour receives a penalty for tacking too close to Torvar Mirsky in the 2008 Monsoon Cup. Image copyright Sander van der Borch.

The Monsoon Cup is a project of the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports and it is proudly hosted by the State of Terengganu and is supported by key sponsors Richard Mille, TM, Cartrade Group (CTG), Astro, Firefly Airline, and Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa.

Monsoon Cup
World Match Racing Tour