Peter Gilmour proud owner of a new BMW X3

by Nicole Stempinsky, BMW Group on 18 Jul 2006 Peter Gilmour, the current No. 1 of the world’s match race ranking list has just won another sought-after match racing title – and a BMW X3.

The latter was handed over to the overall winner of the World Match Racing Tour within the framework of the Toscana Elba Cup in Porto Azzurro, Italy, the eighth and last venue of the season 2005/2006.

After his Tour victories in the two previous years, the 46-year-old skipper, a resident of Perth, managed to secure a spectacular third consecutive title. Furthermore, as those in charge of the Tour and the International Sailing Federation ISAF have agreed the Australian may now call himself Match Racing World Champion.

'Congratulations to Peter Gilmour, he is a worthy Tour winner. We are pleased to hand-over the keys of the BMW X3 and wish him a lot of pleasure when driving', said Jan-Christiaan Koenders, Director Brand Communication BMW, adding, 'The World Match Racing Tour offers a unique opportunity of getting a close up with the stars of the America’s Cup'.

This is BMW’s second year as partner and official car of the most significant international series for professional sailors. Last year, Peter Gilmour had received a BMW 545i Touring as a special bonus – to be succeeded now by a BMW X3, a sporty all-terrain vehicle.

The organization of the World Match Racing Tour was also full of praise and appreciation for the new World Champion. 'Peter Gilmour has been dominating the Tour for three years now.

He has once again made it clear that he is the best and most enduring sailor over the course of an entire season. In the upcoming season, the aim of defeating him and thus preventing him from defending the title yet again will be a major motivation for all the participants', said Scott MacLeod, President of the World Match Racing Tour.