Bjorn Hansen’s Mekonomen Sailing Team leads on Day 1: 2011 Monsoon Cup at Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Impressive sailing skills from Bjorn Hansen under challenging conditions brought Mekonomen Sailing Team in a leading position at the conclusion on Day 1 of the 2011 Monsoon Cup at Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. The monsoon weather showed its true form on the
first day, as participants were trying to finish the opening Qualifying Session of the 2011 Monsoon Cup.
Weather conditions on Day 1 were fascinating yet challenging because a 40-knot wind surrounded the racing area at Kuala Terengganu, along with some rain. However, at the last session of the day, light winds forced an abandonment of the final race.
Sweden’s Hansen on Mekonomen Sailing Team showed a great deal of confidence during the flights and posted an outstanding score line of 3-0, winning against Jesper Radich on Adrian Lee & Partners, current Tour leader, Ian Williams on Team GAC Pindar and Will
Tiller on Full Metal Jacket Racing.
Speaking to media after the race, Hansen said, “It’s a good start for us - having 3 points is always good and great for confidence. We’ve seen everything except the sun today and needed a bit of luck to pull through against Jesper [Radich] where he made
a mistake but we’ll happily take it!”
In the overall World Match Racing Tour standings, the Swedish sailor is trailing 31 points behind current leader, Williams. He can possibly challenge the Briton to a close combat during the event. However, at the conclusion of Day 1, he was followed by compatriot,
Johnie Berntsson on Berntsson Sailing Team at second place while Peter Gilmour hit third spot with his YANMAR Racing.
Overall standings at the conclusion of Day 1:
Bjorn Hansen (SWE) Mekonomen Sailing Team 3-0
Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team 2-0
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 2-1
Will Tiller (NZL) Full Metal Jacket Racing 2-1
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Bruni Racing 1-0
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) The Wave Muscat 1-0
Jesper Radich (DEN) Adrian Lee & Partners 1-2
Phil Robertson (NZL) Team China powered by WAKA Racing 1-2
Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team 0-1
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 0-2
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 0-2
Jeremy Koo (MAS) Abdullah Chan/KRT 0-3
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