The Busan Cup Women’s International Match Race to be held from October thirtieth to November fourth has finalized their list of skippers for the 2009 grade 1 women’s match race.  The teams are made up of nationals from 10 countries making this a truly international event.  The regatta expects to draw much more attention this year with the inclusion of women’s match racing in the 2012 London Olympics.

World’s Top-ranked Claire Leroy from France will head a list of elite sailors vying for the cup this year.  She returns along with Sally Barkow from the USA who won last year’s inaugural cup by defeating Leroy in the finals 3-0.

Also coming back is Liz Baylis, president of the Women’s International Match Racing Association (WIMRA).  She will also conduct the WIMRA North U Match Racing Clinic which will be held from October twenty-sixth to the twenty-eighth.

Due to the resounding success of the 2008 race, this year’s version was able to attract the best teams in the sport today.  Other confirmed participants in the world ranking top ten include Lucy Macgregor from the GBR, Anne-Claire Le Berre of France, and Lotte Meldgaard Pederson from Denmark.

Representing the Asian region, Japan’s Urara Fujii, the Japan’s reining Match Race champion, and hometown girl Hye-won Park will return after doing well in the 2008 race. 

The race will also include up-and-comers Susanne Ward from Denmark and Annelies Thies of the Netherlands, as well as match racing veteran Martina Kalemo of Finland.  Tylinska Katarzyna of Poland will also return to round out the field of 12 teams.  To find out more about this event, visit the website at www.busanmatch.com

Come to Haeundae beach to watch world class match racing with some of the best women's teams from all over the world.  The venue is right off Haeundae beach so anyone can watch all the fun action.  The races start October 28th and ends November 2nd.  BESA members are encouraged to come and participate.  To find out more please visit the official website at:

http://www.busanyacht.co.kr/event_eng/event_01.htm