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

A new race series will start this Saturday the 22nd of November.  The races will be held monthly with a champions crowned at the end of the year.  There will be several classes including: Laser, Laser Radial, 470, Optimist, and Open Class.

These races are being arranged by the Busan Yacht Club, Busan Youth Dingy School, Busan Expat Sailing Association, and the Busan Sailing Federation.

The championship will be a point system with competitors earning points for each finish in the top 10.  Racers will be ranked and the one with the most points at the end of the year will be crowned the champion in each class.

 If you want to participate, contact Mark Chi of BESA for more details.

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

BUSAN CUP OPENING CEREMONY

The opening ceremoney for the Busan Cup will be held this Saturday, August 2, at the Aripina Youth Hostel.  All members and race entrants are encouraged to come.  The dinner is free and you can bring guests.  Please let me know if you wish to join us.

BUSAN CUP

You are invited to join the racing and festivities for the Busan Cup to be held August 2nd and 3rd. 

There will be a special BESA race using Hobie Bravos.  Each participant will be in 5 races, two in the morning and three in the afternoon.  Racers will win points for finishing order of each race.  The best overall score will be declared the winner.

 The opening ceremony will be held on August 2nd as well as the start of the big boat races.  The special foreigner race will start the next day on August 3rd.  Entrants should report to the Club by 8:30AM for instruction and orientation.

Reserve your spot soon.  There are only 8 spots for this special race.  First priority will go to BESA members, but anyone can apply.  The race is FREE for all competitors.  So reserve your spot as soon as you can by sending an email to markchi@busansailing.com.

Special practice days have been reserved for thos who what to fine tune their sailing skills.  See the schedule for details on practice days.

Those who do not make it on the list of 8 will be put on as alternates and you will be given and alternate number.  If we still don't have a spot come race day, I will try to get you a spot crewing on one of the bigger boats.

If you don't want to race, but still want to participate, come out and I will try to get you a spot on some of the boats that will be observing so you can see the action close up.  And of course, there will be food, drinks and fun.  It should be a great time for all, so try to be there.