Saturday 24 January 2009

World Match Racing Tour Qualifiers and Wild Cards for 2009



by Yvonne Reid

The World Tour Qualification Series (TQS) schedule has been announced. In addition to teams holding a Tour Card there are two alternative ways to gain an entry to the Tour. The first is to apply directly to the event promoter for one of their Wild Cards, all events have at least two, and the second is to take part in a TQS event. Each Tour event will invite two skippers from their designated qualifiers.

2009 the TQS Events are:
TOUR STAGE / TQS EVENTS / DATE
Marseille International Match Race Y's Cup, France 7-8 February 2009
Match Race Germany, German Championship 2008, Completed
Berlin Match Race 2008, Completed
Korea Match Cup, Korea Match Cup Qualifier (KOR), 14-17 May, 2009
Portugal Match Cup, Campeonato Absolto de MR (POR), Completed
Qualifier 2 TBC
Match Cup Sweden, GKSS Spring Cup (SWE), 30-31 May, 2009
Sails of the White Nights (RUS), 9-14 June, 2009
St Moritz Match Race, Swiss MR Championship, 16-19 April, 2009
Open de Espana (ESP), 21-25 April, 2009
Danish Open, TMC DO Qualifier (DEN), 6-7 June, 2009
Warren Jones Youth Regatta (AUS), 27- 30 January, 2009
Brasil Sailing Cup, Campeonato Estadual de MR (BRA), 24-26 April, 2009
Detroit Cup (USA), 17-21 June, 2009
King Edward VII Gold Cup, Bermuda MR Nationals (BER), 29 August, 2009
Knickerbocker Cup (USA), 26-30 August 2009
Monsoon Cup, Malaysian Nationals (MAS), November 2009
Asian Championships (MAS), November 2009

“The introduction of the Tour Qualifier Series in 2008 was a huge success and we are pleased with how it has developed not only as a platform for up and coming skippers but also as a foundation for future events. Marseille International Match Race participated as a TQS event last year and has now been recognised as a Tour event for 2009. It is rewarding to see ideas grow and succeed”, said Tour Director Craig Mitchell.

For an entry to a TQS event you should contact the event directly.

Contacts for the TQS events can be found at:
www.worldmatchracingtour.com

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