Pindar by Manuport Logistics crew: Ian Williams, Jon Gundersen, Richard Sydenham, and Gerry Mitchell, triumphed against the team from New Zealand in the grand finale.
As we recall, SSL Team Great Britain was dominant in the quarter-finals during the SSL Gold Cup last November, winning all their races. Many fans saw the British crew as strong contenders for advancement and medal contention. However, finishing third in the semi-finals, behind SSL Team Italy and SSL Team Netherlands, prevented them from competing for gold at the SSL Gold Cup final.
A few days after the SSL Gold Cup 2023, Ian Williams focused on training for the final of the World Match Racing Tour. He achieved his goal by standing on the highest podium last year and repeated that success this year.
In today’s finals, Ian Williams faced the 2022 Match Racing World Champion, Nick Egnot-Johnson. The victory was not easily given, as the dramatic final went to six races. Egnot-Johnson won the first race, while Williams secured victories in the next two. The British sailor seemed on the brink of victory; however, the fourth race was once again won by Egnot-Johnson. After a 2:2 tie, both crews entered the fifth race, where the Pindar by Manuport Logistics crew crossed the finish line first. However, due to a protest, they were awarded only 0.25 points. The overall winner was determined in the sixth race.
The bronze medal battle was claimed by Aurélien Pierroz, defeating Ian Garret 2:0.
Overall Placings:
Ian Williams, Jon Gundersen, Richard Sydenham, Gerry Mitchell
Nick Egnot-Johnson, Jack Frewin, Zak Merton, Chris Main,
Aurélien Pierroz, Sébastien Riot, Aurélien Barthelemy, Clément Michel, Lola Billy
Full: Results
Photos: Ian Roman / World Match Racing Tour