Gillie returns to Europe

Aussie match racing legend and Cup skipper to compete at Match Race Germany

There was an Easter surprise for the organisers of Match Race Germany this year in the form of Australian, Peter Gilmour. The four time Match Racing World Champion and his Yanmar Racing Team have announced their comeback onto the World Match Racing Tour. This will be the first appearance on the 09 circuit of the America’s Cup legend.

"Peter is one of the most successful sailors of all time. He will for sure entertain the spectators on and off the shore on the highest level!" said organiser Eberhard Magg.

"[Match Race Germany] - you wouldn’t want to miss it!" said Gilmour. "We are excited to be heading back and have had a long enjoyable involvement with the event.”

Besides Gilmour, Ben Ainslie is also heading to Lake Constance. The four time Olympic medallist, who is set to become the most successful Olympian of all times in 2012 on home turf, will bring the core of his TeamOrigin team to Langenargen.

Ainslie will be joined by some of the best match racers in the world. French America’s Cup skipper Sébastien Col and his compatriot Mathieu Richard, the world ranked number 1 and 2 have entered. New Zealand shooting star and present leader of the World Match Racing Tour, Adam Minoprio will return, and so will 2007 Champion Paolo Cian. Young and wild Australian Torvar Mirsky will be on the start line too, as well as most of the ISAF Top 10.

As of right now, Eberhard Magg is sure "we will have one of the best line up’s ever, for the 12th edition of Match Race Germany and that is a big compliment in these difficult times!"

Along with Magg, Match Race Germany is organised by partner Harald Thierer who has helped run Match Race Germany, an event which has been part of the Tour since 2000. Every year more than 30,000 spectators find their way to Langenargen to watch the highest level of match racing, paired with a huge range of entertainment on shore.

The event will be sailed in Bavaria 35 Match Yachts. The winners will not only be racing for points on the Tour leaderboard, but also for US$50,000 in prize money and points towards the ISAF world ranking list. On top of that, a lot of prestige is at stake on the road to build match racing skills, which will be decisive for involvement on any AC team in the future. The Organising Club is the Yacht Club Langenargen e.V. where Michael Nöltge is president and the PRO Rudi Magg.

"Despite the very difficult times, we have managed to attract and convince new top brands in addition to our long term loyal partners," said Harald Thierer. These include Moet Hennessy with their brands Veuve Cliquot and Glenmorangie. Another international brand icon, known for the best chainsaws in the world, Stihl increases their involvement compared to last year. On the bruised financial market, a clear sign has been set by UBS, who will bring 50 guests to Langenargen. Car manufacturer Audi has joined along with the Industry and Trade Chamber of the Lake Constance region, the IHK, with their slogan: ‘Elite Sport meets Elite region’.

The town of Langenargen will support their annual sports highlight again, counting on a big indirect profitability from the spectators at the event, attracting guests from around the lake, along with neighbouring countries such as Austria and Switzerland as well as other international visitors and people from all over Germany. Flanked by Ultramarin, the biggest marina on the lake, the new Match Center Germany with its 'sail academy' and successful business coaching events as well as Bavaria Yachts, Match Race Germany will start stronger than ever. The sailing pros will also benefit from newly installed pontoons in the event marina in Langenargen.

Another attraction is the on and off the water programme and this will see the Yacht Club Langenargen e.V. offering kids the opportunity of a test sail in Optimists. The ambitious Opti sailor will get a chance to compete in team races against each other in 'Team Race Germany', and will no doubt be inspired and encouraged meeting their sailing heroes to continue and improve in the sport of sailing. As usual there will be a pirate themed kid’s programme.

The opening ceremony will be held at its traditional home in the Montfort Castle on 28 May.

From Friday through to Monday there will be musical entertainment in the party tent. Access to the event site and all activities are free of charge to all visitors. The man on the microphone “The Voice” will once again be Christoph Schumann, who will be commentating on the action both on and off shore!