Eighth-Time Champion Crowned! 2024 World Match Racing Tour Shenzhen • Bao’an Grand Final Concludes Successfully

The 2024 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Shenzhen Bao’an Grand Final took place at Shenzhen Happy Harbour and Qianhai Bay from December 10 to 15, 2024. This top-tier international sailing event gathered 12 elite teams from China, the UK, France, New Zealand, the US, Switzerland, Sweden and Italy to compete for the annual championship.

The final witnessed a thrilling showdown between defending champion Ian Williams from the UK and 2022 champion Nick Egnot-Johnson. After five intense races, Ian Williams claimed his eighth WMRT title with a 3-2 victory, while Nick Egnot-Johnson finished second. In the third-place playoff, French skipper Aurélien Pierroz defeated his young compatriot Ian Garreta by virtue of exquisite tactics and skills to take the bronze medal.

Ian Williams’ championship journey was full of twists and turns. Ranking only 10th in the group stage, his team had to compete in the repechage. Showing outstanding strength and resilience, the team fought its way out of the repechage and dominated the knockout rounds, eventually winning the title with superb boat control and flawless teamwork.

Led by Asian Games champion Shen Sheng, China’s Old Boys Sailing Team participated as a wildcard entry and exchanged experience with world-class teams.

The event continued to adopt the Fareast 28R as the official one-design boat. Fareast Yachts provided full professional on-site support throughout the event, covering pre-event preparation and on-site operation to guarantee the smooth running of the tournament.

The 2024 WMRT season concluded successfully with this grand final. The 2025 WMRT season opener will be held in Macao, China from January 8 to 12. The Fareast 28R will remain the designated competition boat, with Fareast’s professional team continuing to offer on-site support. Looking forward to the wonderful competition in Macao!