Big winds, big boats for world match racing meet

Mosman Park sailor Sam Gilmour said conditions would likely be windy for the prestigious sailing tour, which had never been held in Australia before.

“It will make it difficult for everyone. We could see some big crashes or capsizing. The home ground advantage will be very big,” Mr Gilmour said.

Mr Gilmour said his Neptune Racing team members, including Adam Negri, Justin Wong and Mark Spearman, are feeling strong going into the tour.

The team earned a spot in the tour after winning the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta in February.

“We have a good mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm – we are expecting to do well,” he said.

“It is the first time we’ve had an event that big in Fremantle, let alone Australia.

“In the sailing world it is a pretty major thing; it is massive.”

Mr Gilmour said the catamarans they would be racing favoured the physically fit.

“It will now be more physical so the younger people will have an advantage,” he said.

“It makes the playing field more even.”

The team is supported by the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.

M32 Australia director Dave Mills said teams would be competing for hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money.

“Fremantle is world famous not only as the home of Australia ll but also for having some of the best yachting conditions around,” Mr Mills said.

“Match racing is highly competitive yacht racing.

“It’s fast; it’s close to shore and an awesome spectacle for onlookers.”

The World Match Racing Tour will be held at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach from March 2-7.