What Is 2017 World Match Racing Tour

Overview

The 2017 World Match Racing Tour marked the 19th official season of the premier international sailing circuit focused on match racing, a one-on-one boat racing format. This year's tour featured ten high-stakes regattas across five continents, drawing elite skippers and crews from over 30 nations.

Organized by the International Sailing Federation and World Match Racing Tour Ltd, the 2017 season emphasized speed, strategy, and close-quarters competition. The circuit used identical M32 foiling catamarans to ensure fairness and highlight tactical skill over equipment advantage.

• 10 events: The tour included regattas in France, the United States, China, Australia, and Sweden, creating a truly global competition circuit.
• February start: The season kicked off in early February with the Match Race France event in La Grande-Motte, setting a fast pace for the year.
• December finale: The championship concluded in December with the final event in Shenzhen, China, where the overall title was decided.
• M32 catamarans: All events used the 12-meter foiling M32 catamarans, known for speeds exceeding 40 knots and dynamic racing conditions.
• Record attendance: Over 85 professional sailors from 32 countries participated across the season, making it one of the most competitive years in tour history.

How It Works

The World Match Racing Tour is structured around head-to-head racing, where two boats compete directly in a short-course format emphasizing tactics, starts, and boat handling. Each event follows a round-robin and knockout format to determine a winner, with points contributing to the overall season ranking.

• Match Racing Format: Two identical boats race directly against each other on a short course, typically lasting 20–30 minutes, with the goal of crossing the finish line first.
• Round-Robin Stage: Each skipper races every other skipper once, accumulating points based on wins, losses, and penalties assessed by on-water umpires.
• Knockout Finals: The top four to eight skippers advance to a single-elimination bracket, culminating in a best-of-three final to crown the event champion.
• Scoring System: The tour uses a weighted point system where later events carry more points; the 2017 season awarded up to 10,000 points for the final event win.
• Boat Standardization: All teams use supplied M32 catamarans to eliminate equipment advantages and focus competition on sailor skill and strategy.
• Penalty Enforcement: On-water umpires issue real-time penalties for rule violations, including one-turn or two-turn penalties that must be served immediately.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 World Match Racing Tour with previous seasons and similar sailing series:

The 2017 season stood out for its expanded global reach and record participation. While the America's Cup is more prestigious, the World Match Racing Tour offers more frequent, accessible competition across the year.

Why It Matters

The 2017 World Match Racing Tour played a key role in advancing professional match racing and promoting sailing innovation. It served as a proving ground for future America's Cup sailors and brought high-speed racing to urban waterfronts, increasing public engagement.

• Global exposure: Events in cities like San Francisco and Shenzhen attracted over 150,000 spectators in person and millions online.
• Talent development: The tour helped launch careers, with skippers like Nic Asher and Raymond Massey gaining international recognition.
• Technology testing: M32 foiling systems used in 2017 influenced later designs in the AC75 class for the America's Cup.
• Gender inclusion: The 2017 season included female crew members in 60% of teams, promoting diversity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
• Economic impact: Host cities reported an average boost of $2.3 million in tourism and local spending per event.
• Sustainability focus: The tour introduced eco-friendly practices, including plastic-free venues and carbon offset programs for team travel.

The 2017 season set benchmarks in competition quality, global reach, and environmental responsibility, reinforcing the World Match Racing Tour’s role as a leader in modern sailing.