Match Cup Sweden was opened during Monday evening with a parade through Marstrand. After that followed an official dinner where the boats used in the race paraded in strong winds and sunshine. One of the speakers during the dinner was the chairman of GKSS, Stefan Holmgren.

“We have a fantastic week ahead of us with some world class sailing.”

After the women had started their races it was time for the official opening ceremony of this years Match Cup Sweden. The opening ceremony was preceded by a parade where Swedish 17th century soldiers lead sailors, sponsors and volunteers cross the island to Södra Strandverket.

The CEO of Brandspot, Jan Torstenson, spoke in front of the dinner guests about what separates this year’s event from last year’s.

“The public interest has increased. This year we have 51 official partners and a fantastic mix of sailing, activities for the visitors and corporate events.”

Also the sailors were present at the dinner where the six times winner of Match Cup Sweden, Australian Peter Gilmour, spoke before the crowd. The men’s races starts tomorrow and Peter Gilmour can try to win his seventh title at Match Cup Sweden. By his side he has, among others, Johnnie Berntsson from Stenungsund, who will sail with Peter as tactician and main sail trimmer.

Over 100 000 spectators are expected to visit Marstrand to watch this years sail races. Match Cup Sweden will end on Sunday when the men’s final is held. Who will win the women’s class will be settled one day earlier, on Saturday.