Absolute victory of the french skipper Claire Leroy

The final of Portimão Portugal Women´s Cup was held this afternoon

Unbeatable since the first “flight”, Claire Leroy has just won Portimão Portugal Women´s Cup. After a stunning Round Robin with 15 victories and one defeat, the French skipper kept her excellent performance on the final race winning by 3 - 0. The performance showed these days, reveals why she is considered one of the best skippers in the world and justifies her second place in ISAF’s women’s match race ranking. The Portimão Portugal Women´s Cup is an ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Match Race grade 1 that was held at Marina de Portimão from June the 30th to July the 3rd.

The third and the fourth place were disputed by Rita Gonçalves and Klaartje Zuiderbaan, on a three victories system, and Klaartje Zuiderbaan was the winner by 2 - 1. Klaartje Zuiderbaan is number 31 of the ISAF (International Sailing Federation) ranking. For Zuiderbaan’s, the main reason to participate in this event was to have the opportunity to sail the Swedish Match 40 boats. During the days she was in Portimão, Zuiderbaan claimed that she loved our country because of the climate and the sea, which is one of the reasons why she comes to Portugal during the winter to practice.

Since the beginning of the Portimão Portugal Women´s Cup, Claire Leroy’s team was one of the favourites. In 2007, she was world champion of ISAF’s Match Racing, she won the European title and was nominated ISAF’s Rolex World Sailor of the Year award. She led ISAF’s ranking until the end of last year.

The Portimão Portugal Women´s Cup was supported by the Presidência da República and had the sponsorship of Município de Portimão, of Turismo de Portugal, of EDP, of Iate Clube da Marina de Portimão and of Marina de Portimão.

* Final: Claire Leroy defeats Camilla Ulrikkeholm (3-0)
* Petit Final: Klaarje Zuiderbaan defeats Rita Gonçalves (2-1)

Round Robin Results:
Claire Leroy (FRA) ........................ 15 - 1
Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN) .......... 11 - 5
Rita Gonçalves (POR) ................... 7 - 9
Klaartje Zuiderbaan (NED)............ 6 - 10
Catarina Carvalho (POR) .............. 1 - 15

Final Overall Standings:
1- Claire Leroy (FRA)
2- Camilla Ulrikkeholm (DEN)
3- Klaartje Zuiderbaan (NED)
4- Rita Gonçalves (POR)
5- Catarina Carvalho (POR)

View photos and find more information on the event website: www.portimaoportugalwomenscup.com