The tour, the successor to the Swedish Match Tour, and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the world governing body for the sport, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commit to a long-term partnership.
The tour features 10 of the premier ISAF-graded match-racing events. Competitors earn points towards the championship based on their finish at the individual events.
The MOU sets out the objectives of the partnership in which ISAF will grant the World Match Racing Tour 'ISAF Special Event' status. Among other benefits, this status allows the tour to use the word 'World' in marketing and promotion.
In addition, from 2007 onwards, the winner of the World Match Racing Tour will be awarded the title of ISAF Match Racing World Champion.
“ISAF is pleased to partner and support the World Match Racing Tour, which will provide an improved and consistent professional global match-racing circuit, attracting increased global exposure,” said GC6ran Petersson, president of the International Sailing Federation.
The World Match Racing Tour was founded in 2000 as the Swedish Match Tour and is sailing’s longest running professional series offering prize money. The Tour has awarded $1.15 million in prize money and a BMW 545i Touring (valued at $85,000) in six completed seasons.
