Record breaking British sailor Ian Williams this week begins his quest to win an unprecedented sixth World Match Racing Tour title at the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, USA, (13-17 May).
Reigning World Match Racing Tour champion, Williams, who has previously won the Congressional Cup on two occasions in 2011 and 2012, will be looking to get his title defence off to the perfect start by winning the coveted “Crimson Blazer”.
This is the first time the Congressional Cup has been a World Championship event on the World Match Racing Tour, so maximum points are available for the competing sailors. Given the fact that all results on the Championship tour now count towards the season’s end result, there is huge pressure to get off to a good start at Long Beach.
Williams comments: “The Congressional Cup is traditionally a strong event for us as we've always made the semi-finals, going on to win it twice. Due to the restructuring of the tour we expect some strong competition from a host of new teams. We're well prepared after training with Bjorn Hansen last week, so we're in a good position and ready to go for the win.
“Obviously after last season's success our only goal is to defend our title and extend our world record streak. There will be slightly more pressure on us than last year based on the fact we'll be attending fewer events. This year we won't have the luxury of discarding our worst result but we've shown that we thrive under pressure.”
Sean Bradley, GAC Group Marketing Director comments: “GAC Pindar has sponsored Ian for a number years during which he has been a leading ambassador for the brand. We were all delighted for his success last season and we look forward to supporting our record breaking, world champion again throughout the 2015 Tour.”
Williams and his GAC Pindar crew will be joined at the Congressional Cup by a who’s who of Match Racing including reigning champion and title-rival Taylor Canfield as well as previous tour regulars Eric Monnin, Bjorn Hansen, Keith Swinton and Phil Robertson.
GAC Pindar Crew – Ian Williams (skipper), Chris Main (tactics), Mal Parker (trimming), Richard Sidenham (mainsail), Ricky McGarvie (bow) and Mark Callahan (pit).
Racing begins on Wednesday May 13 at 11.30am (UTC -08.00).
– GAC Pindar Media
