Finland’s Silja LEHTINEN/Silja KANERVA/Mikaela WULFF Crowned ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Champions

ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship - Gothenburg, Sweden

The final day of the ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden served up a treat of world class action as FINLAND claimed the title.

After the disappointment of the 2011 Women’s Match Racing Worlds in Perth, Australia that saw Lehtinen finish 14th after a bright start she turned it around in Gothenburg after she defeated World #1 Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) 3-0 in the final.

The day started off as a perfect one for sailing, with a southerly 16-18 knot breeze with the sun shining as the semi finals opened the day.

Lehtinen took on Claire Leroy (FRA) in the first head to head and had no trouble against the French match racer as she came out on top with a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Tunnicliffe meanwhile took on compatriot Sally Barkow in four very tight and intense matches with the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year coming out on top.

Leroy and Barkow faced off in the Petit Final in a close encounter. Leroy took the first race win before Barkow levelled things up to take it to a decider. In a tough last race with gybing duels all the way to the finish Barkow did enough to take the win, and the bronze medal.

The final followed and Lehtinen did enough in each of the three races to win by a slender margin.

ISAF Women’s Match Racing Worlds Microsite: www.sailing.org/womensmatchworlds.php

Event Website: /www.gkss.se/wmrwc

(From the ISAF Website)