European Champion Lucy Macgregor from England sailed to victory in the finals against German Silke Hahlbrock. Christelle Philippe defeated Julie Bossard to take third.

It was a thrilling morning on Lake Constance when the remaining four teams of the Ladies Match Cup semi finals showed their will to win. Race officer Rudi Magg had set the format “First to score two” and started in a light breeze. The British Team of helmswoman Lucy Macgregor scored two straight bullets against the French Julie Bossard, as well as Silke Hahlbrock from Germany, who defeated Philippe Christelle from France.

But the wind became even lighter and only one flight of the finals could be sailed in the dying breeze. Macgregor had the better feeling for the remaining air and passed Hahlbrock after the first windward mark. The German team, who won the start was totally becalmed on the downwind leg and had to watch the British crew disappear with the remaining breeze. Race officer Magg, a multiple Admirals Cup

winner had all hands on to bring the series to a fair end in these difficult conditions. After one flight in which Christelle Philippe won against Julie Bossard, who had before dominated the series, the racing had to be cancelled and no second start was made in the finals.

At the prize giving a champagne shower awaited the winning team of Lucy Macgregor. Only a week ago the British crew sailed to the title in the European Championship in Saint Quay Portrieux, France and could now underline her strength with the victory in the Ladies Match Cup on Lake Constance. “The conditions have been very difficult today”, she said. “In the semi finals the wind was ok, but then it went down dramatically. I think we kept the boat in good speed and found a little more breeze. We are very happy about the victory.”

„Although it was really calm today, the Lake Constance has shown very good and challenging conditions during the series“, Klaus Wellmann, CEO of the Friedrichshafen fair said at the prize giving. He came to honour the winning teams and handed over the prizes.

The grade one event, which was sailed from 24 to 28 September in the First 7.5 class and organised by the Match Centre Germany offered prize money of 10.000 Euro. Nine teams from six nations competed to win.

Further information: www.interboot.com

Final results of the Ladies Match Cup 2008                Prize money

1. Lucy Macgregor                     (GBR)                          2500 €
2. Silke Hahlbrock                      (GER)                           1500 €
3. Christelle Philippe                   (FRA)                           1300 €
4. Julie Bossard                        (FRA)                            1150 € 
5. Lorenza Mariani                      (ITA)                            1150 €
6. Charlotta Thorelius                  (SWE)                          900 €
7. Madlen Frey                          (GER)                            800 €
8. Karin Hagström                     (SWE)                             700 €
9. Maria Ramires                       (POR)                              -

Eberhard Magg

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Last Updated ( Sunday, 28 September 2008 )