World Match Racing Tour - Distraction not in Minoprio’s dictionary

by WMRT on 24 Nov 2010 World Match Racing Tour

Legendary sailing commentator, Peter Montgomery MBE, believes the race to become ISAF Match Racing World Champion is simply too close to call. However, one thing he is certain of is that Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/Blackmatch Racing will be focussed solely on retaining what he believes is his rightful crown.

Speaking to the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), Montgomery said Minoprio’s decision to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race next year would not be in the young Kiwi’s mind: 'Minoprio will want to retain his World Championship. Distraction is not in his dictionary.'

For Minoprio and the other four skippers vying to become World Champion, Montgomery knows exactly what it will take for them to win at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa in Kuala Terengganu:

'If there is a lot of rain the week prior to the regatta, then the rivers become raging torrents and turn Pulau Duyong into a very difficult area to sail. We have seen in the past red hot favourites undone by calls they misjudged in the unforgiving current. Also, there are no more regattas to make amends on this year’s Tour if things go wrong. The last chance saloon can do weird things to minds. Top sport is a study of people under stress. The winner will be the skipper and crew who cope best with the two key factors. Conditions and stress.'

Whilst Montgomery believes the other skippers would happily swap places with Richard going into the Monsoon Cup, he recalls that ‘first in is not always first out’, adding: 'How Richard will cope is what we look forward to finding out. However, the other factor is how well his rivals will cope. Especially Ben Ainslie who has an illustrious record that shows he thrives in the white hot furnace of competition. Meanwhile, Adam Minoprio, the defending Champion, also flourishes when the tension levels rise. So Richard does not only have to worry about his own performance, it’s what his nearest rivals are up to that could also depose him from the No. 1 spot.'

Montgomery, who has an illustrious broadcasting history having covered the America’s Cup, numerous Olympic Games and all Whitbread / Volvo Ocean Races, believes the Monsoon Cup provides sailors with a very unique challenge and occasion : '{To win} you need to be an outstanding match race skipper and leader and cope with whatever comes at you from Kuala Terengganu. It suits those that can cope best not just with the heavy rain and strong wind but also the current. Don't forget that current. Misjudge a tack or gybe and the race and the regatta could be gone. This wonderful regatta is not called the Monsoon Cup just for a catchy name!

'The atmosphere. The conditions. The environment. They create an outstanding virtual sailing stadium which sets the benchmark for other events to follow.'

Talking about the format of the World Match Racing Championship, Montgomery believes the run-in to this year’s Championship is testimony to the changes that have been made to the Tour: 'This is the most exciting climax since the World Match Racing Championship format was changed to be decided by accumulative points over 9 regattas. Now consistency throughout the year is rewarded. It says a lot about the WMRT 2010 that five skippers are still in with a chance.'

Whilst four of the Championship contenders will be competing in the Sunseeker Australia Cup to hone their skills before the Monsoon Cup, Montgomery is unclear why Minoprio has shunned the event: 'I’ve been thinking about this. What is Minoprio up to and why?'

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