The first day’s racing at the Steinlager / Line 7 Cup took place yesterday with GBR sailor, Ian Walker, racing in his first ever Grade 1 Match Racing event.

Walker was sailing with other crew members of GBR Challenge including Simon Fry, Matt Cornwell, Richard Sydenham and Jules Salter. Andy Green was also racing with a crew of America’s Cup team mates – Jim Turner, Chris Main, Ado Stead and Mal Parker.

Out of the five races sailed, Andy Green beat Peter Holmberg and Rod Davies while Walker had an exciting race against Gavin Brady which resulted in Brady’s disqualification from the race. Walker had already put a penalty on his opposition when Brady collided into Walker’s boat at the leeward mark, gaining a second penalty. Brady, currently ranked 18th in the Swedish Match Racing Grand Prix Tour, was disqualified from the race when he did not complete both penalties.

Commenting on the day’s sailing, Ian Walker said, “I have mixed emotions having come in from the racing today. One the one hand this is the first ever Grade 1 event I have taken part in so I should not expect too much. But on the other hand I am disappointed as I didn’t win any starts, and on such a one-sided race course it was very difficult to get back into the race.”

Results (from first day’s racing)

Ian Walker 1 win, 4 losses

Andy Green 2 wins, 3 losses