More match racing in Germany

12 skippers to fight it out in the centre of Hamburg at the end of September

It is one of the highlight sport-events held in Hamburg this year: From 29 September until 3 October, the European Match Race Championship will be sailed right in the inner city of Hamburg. The preparations for the high class sailing event are on the way. It will be the first European Championship in match racing sailing held in Germany. It is also the first European Cup arranged on the river Alster. Top ranked sailors from twelve nations will represent their countries and can be watched from the near shore.

12 teams will fight for the title on five days of exciting sailing. A world-class fleet of skippers, the tricky sailing-area and the challenging boats of the Streamline class promise spectacular matches. Outstanding sailors such as the America’s Cup skipper Sebastien Col, Sweden's Björn Hansen, Italian Matteo Simoncelli, World Match Racing Tour skipper Steffan Lindberg also from Sweden or Danish Peter Wibroe, Winner of the
Nordic Match Racing Championship 2005 are expected to compete. The first in the national ranking, Andreas Willim from Goltoft will represent Germany in this tough competition.

The Alster promises a unique atmosphere and the possibility to experience the racing off the close shore is attractive for the public. The organising authority of this event is the Hamburger Segel-Club (HSC) located on the Gurlitt Island. The wonderful situated club will introduce spectators and fascinate the public around the Alster.

A live commentator will explain the situations to everybody no matter how much they know about sailing. He will point out the critical moments, explain the rules and talk about the tactical decisions made during the matches. Furthermore there will be a program of games and fun, food and drinks to top off the European Challenge on the Gurlitt Island.

Manuel Hünsch, organiser of the HSC is happy about the world’s best match racers coming to Hamburg and is delighted that the senate of Hamburg supports the Championship as well: “We have got support from all-around including the permission to advertise on the Alster. We are especially proud that the major of Hamburg, Ole von Beust took the patronage for the event.”

Program - European Match Race Championship 2006:

Friday, 29th September: 7.00 pm: Opening Ceremony (HSC)
Saturday, 30th September: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Qualification
Sunday, 1st October: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Qualification
Monday, 2nd. October: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Quarterfinals and repechage
Tuesday, 3rd October: 10.00 am start of the semifinals
12.00 pm Final of the European Championship.

The price giving ceremony will take place around 5.00 pm at the HSC clubhouse.

The program is subject to changes due to weather conditions.