2015 Stena Match Cup Sweden – Hansen inducted to the Hall of Fame

by Fabian Bengtsson on 30 Jun 2015 2015 Stena Match Cup Sweden (SMCS) – Björn Hansen – a four-time champion at Marstrand and the first Swedish skipper to win the open class of SMCS – has been inducted to the event’s Hall of Fame.

Björn Hansen has a long list of accomplishments at Marstrand and has played an important role in Stena Match Cup Sweden’s history. He first competed in the inaugural event back in 1994. In 2007 he became the first Swedish skipper to win the Open Class and in recent years he has led his team to the four straight finals. With three straight wins he now has a chance at claiming the title at Marstrand for the fourth time in a row – a feat no sailor has been able to achieve.

The official motivation for the award:

“Hansen’s loveable personality and never-say-die mentality has made him a crowd favourite in Marstrand. His ability to combine consistent top results with true sportsmanship has won him the respect from the entire sailing world. Marstrand and Stena Match Cup Sweden have seen an impressive list of competitors over the years, but if anyone can call themselves both the king of the water and the king of the cliffs, it’s Björn.”

Hansen now joins a well-respected group of Hall of Fame members. Magnus Holmberg is one of the most successful Swedish sailors in history and one of the cofounders of Stena Match Cup Sweden together with Peter Klock. Pelle Petterson is a true sailing legend and Peter Gilmour has claimed seven titles in Stena Match Cup Sweden.

”This is not only about me but also about every person I’ve sailed with through the years. I couldn’t have come this far, and had so many great memories from Marstrand without the guys that have been a part of my team. It’s an emotional moment for me and a huge honour to join such a fantastic group of sailors and personalities in the Hall of Fame', says Björn Hansen after the induction ceremony during the opening of Stena Match Cup Sweden 2015.

Stena Match Cup Sweden 2014 attracted over 118 000 visitors to Marstrand and the crowds followed the Swedish team behind Björn Hansen on their way to win their third consecutive title in the regatta. The event is oraganized by Brandspot together with the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club and this year's edition of the event will take place June 29th – July 4th.