(From the ISAF web site: www.sailing.org)

ISAF World Match Race Rankings

France ends the year in the same fashion as it began, holding both top spots in the Open and Women’s Rankings, where Claire LEROY (FRA) continues to hold a huge points advantage.

The next release of the ISAF World Match Race Rankings will be on 28 January 2009.

Women’s Rankings

New events included in this Ranking release:

Grade 1 - Busan Cup Match Race, KOR
Grade 2 - ISAF Nations Cup 2009 Regional Final - South America, ARG
Grade 2 - ISAF Nations Cup 2009 Regional Final - North America and Caribbean, USA
Grade 2 - Berlin Women’s Match Race, GER
Grade 2 - Ladies Only Match Race, GER
Grade 3 - Nordic Women Cup Final, SWE
Grade 3 - Carlos Aguilar Memorial Match Race, ISV
Grade 5 - WIMRA Challenge, BRA

Claire LEROY’s (FRA) reign at the top of the Women’s ISAF World Match Race Rankings continues whilst behind the French skipper there are two new entries into the world top five. . By LEROY’s own high standards her performance at the recent ISAF Grade 1 Rolex Osprey Cup was somewhat below par, with a third-place finish the worst result of another incredible year for the 28 year old French skipper. The 2007 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year, also a nominee for the 2008 Awards, and double ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Champion looks certain to reach the end the year in the world #1 spot for the fourth year running. However, with women’s match racing joining the events line up for the next Olympic Sailing Competition, LEROY is sure to face a new generation of competitors joining the circuit in a bid for glory at London 2012.

Claire LEROY (FRA) keeps her place at top of the Women’s Rankings, completing a third consecutive unbroken calendar year in the world #1 spot.

Behind LEROY, Linda RAHM (SWE), Silke HAHLBROCK (GER) and Lotte MELDGAARD PEDERSEN (DEN) remain at #2, #3 and #4 respectively. The big change in the world top five sees Lucy MACGREGOR (GBR) continue her rise up the Rankings. After entering the world top 10 for the first time in October, this month MACGREGOR enters the world top five as she gain two places up from #7 to #5.

Nicky SOUTER (AUS) is the one new entry into the world top 10, moving up one place to #10.

ISAF World Match Race Rankings - www.sailing.org/mrrankings

Find out more on the ISAF Nations Cup and the nations qualified so far at www.sailing.org/nationscup.