| STAMFORD, CT, USA-(24-6-2003) The 2003 Swedish Match Cup, June 30 – July 6, in Marstrand, Sweden, could just as easily be called a “Regatta of Champions.” In addition to crowning the Swedish Match Tour 2002/2003 Champion at its conclusion, the event boasts two former Swedish Match Tour champions and a five-time event winner in its field of 16 skippers as part of its tenth anniversary celebration.
Joining the three skippers in the hunt for the Swedish Match Tour 2002/2003 crown, Jesper Radich of Denmark, currently the Swedish Match Tour Rankings leader with 103 points, Dane Jes Gram-Hansen of Team Victory Lane with 88 points and Australia’s James Spithill with 86 points, are former Swedish Match Tour champions Magnus Holmberg of Sweden (2000/2001) and Peter Holmberg of the US Virgin Islands (2001/2002).
The Swedish Match Cup will be Peter Holmberg’s first appearance on the Swedish Match Tour since being crowned champion at last year’s edition of the regatta. In the interim, Peter served as helmsman for Larry Ellison’s Oracle BMW Racing challenge for America’s Cup 2003.
Also in attendance this year will be veteran skipper Peter Gilmour, a five-time winner of the Swedish Match Cup. Gilmour did not compete last year as he was overseeing final preparations for the OneWorld Challenge’s participation in America’s Cup 2003. Gilmour will once again be sailing under the Team Pizza La banner in 2003.
While sailing is traditionally, not a spectator friendly sport, the Swedish Match Cup offers among the best viewing opportunities in the world. The race course lies along the cliffs that make up the southern shore of Marstrand Island. During the Swedish Match Cup these cliffs serve as a natural stadium allowing spectators the opportunity to hear the crews shouting on the boats. Conversely, the crews can hear the crowds cheering and applauding.
Adding to the atmosphere, a lot of people living in western Sweden have made a tradition of starting their summer holidays in Marstand during the Swedish Match Cup. The island is teeming with carefree vacationers. Some are riveted to the races, not missing a single match. Some have come with their company, entertaining employees or customers. Still others are relaxing with a picnic lunch, while also strolling among the shops and restaurants in Marstrand.
2003 Swedish Match Cup competitors:
Paolo Cian, ITA/Riviera di Rimini Sailing Team – former helmsman for the Mascalzone Latino America’s Cup 2003 Challenge.
Peter Gilmour, AUS/Team Pizza La – leader of OneWorld Challenge for America’s Cup 2003; two-time winner on the Swedish Match Tour and five time winner of the Swedish Match Cup.
Peter Holmberg, USVI – Helmsman for Oracle BMW Racing team for America’s Cup 2003 and 2001/2002 Swedish Match Tour champion.
Magnus Holmberg, SWE – Skipper for Victory Challenge for America’s Cup 2003; winningest event(five-time) winner on the Swedish Match Tour and 2000/2001 Swedish Match Tour champion.
Jes Gram-Hansen, DEN/Team Victory Lane – Up-and-coming helmsman; winner of Danish Open 2002.
Sebastien Destremau, FRA/Le Defi Areva – member of afterguard for Le Defi Areva Challenge for America’s Cup 2003.
Jesper Radich, DEN – four-time event winner on the Swedish Match Tour; current Swedish Match Tour 2002/2003 Rankings leader.
James Spithill, AUS/Team Spithill – helmsman for OneWorld Challenge for America’s Cup 2003 and one-time winner on the Swedish Match Tour.
Chris Law, GBR/”The Outlaws” – veteran match racer and one-time winner on the Swedish Match Tour.
Ed Baird, USA/Team Musto – veteran match racer and America’s Cup competitor.
Mattias Rahm, SWE/Team Stena Bulk – up-and-coming Swedish match racer.
Karol Jablonski, POL/Jablonski Sailing Team – Aggressive helmsman; organizing Polish challenge for America’s Cup 2007.
Staffan Lindberg, FIN – up-and-coming helmsman from Finland.
Jesper Bank, DEN – helmsman for Victory Challenge for America’s Cup 2003.
Andy Beadsworth , GBR – helmsman for GBR Challenge for America’s Cup 2003.
Johnnie Berntsson, SWE – young Swedish helmsman.
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