Ian Williams of Team GAC Pindar wins 2011 Portimão Portugal Match Cup, Francesco Bruni enjoys overall lead
A dream came true for Ian Williams of Great Britain when Team GAC Pindar took 2011 Portimão Portugal Match Cup title on Monday, June 27. It has been the first victory for Team GAC Pindar since 2008
when they grabbed Danish Open. The Briton triumphed over Italy’s Francesco Bruni but the Italian is still on top in overall result of ISAF World Sailing Cup after four regattas.
Williams took back-to-back victories on the final day under tricky weather conditions. The wind was gusting at 20 knots which made the race more exciting.
However, Bruni still has a lot to celebrate as he is topping the overall standings with 81 points, followed by Peter Gilmour of YANMAR Racing with 58 points.
While speaking to the local media, race winner Williams said, "To win here is a fantastic feeling. We struggled a bit with some matches and we had some really close calls so to walk away with a win
is amazing."
He added, "Although we have come close to winning events in recent years it has been a few years since we won an event so it's great to have another one under our belt. It's a great result for us
- now we need a few more."
Bruni, on the other hand, spoke to the reporters, "We're very happy with our second place here in Portugal. It's our third final so far on the Tour and we're really pleased with how we sailed. We
did our best but Ian did a fantastic job out there. Second is still a very good result for us."
The results on the final day are:
1 Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar
2 Francesco Bruni (ITA) Bruni Racing
3 Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team
4 Johnie Berntsson (SWE) Berntsson Sailing Team
5 Torvar Mirsky (AUS) The Wave Muscat
2011 ISAF World Match Racing Tour Standings (after 4 stages):
1 Francesco Bruni (ITA) Bruni Racing – 81pts
2 Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing – 58pts
3 Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar - 46pts
4 Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team - 45pts
5 Torvar Mirsky (AUS) The Wave Muscat – 45pts
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