Two races were held today under a leaden sky and in light winds that struggled to reach double figures. The first race involved a 1.7 nautical mile leg and started in 6-7 knots. It was won by Alberto Roemmers' Siemens (ESP), which has steadily found her racing legs after a slow start to the week.
The second race, with a 2 nm leg, was won by Patches; tactician Ian Walker and helm, Stuart Childerley, signing off the Championship with a third bullet. But the true story of the day was Artemis and it was Tornqvist who walked away with the Global Championship trophy and a Rolex Yacht-Master timepiece for his efforts.
With a team comprising many of the top names in the sport including:
Coutts, Juan Vila, Ed Smyth, Ross Halcrow, James Dagg, Andrew Taylor, Jared Henderson, Richard Meacham, Peter van Nieuwenhuyzen, Jeremy Lomas and Max Sirena; Tornqvist could be excused for having felt intimidated sat in the helmsman's position, but he has clearly relished sailing in such exulted company and learnt from the opportunity, "it's a challenge and I like challenges.
Coming into this season I felt the pressure of sailing with such good sailors and sometimes I thought am I going to be the weak link in this, but I have had great support. I have probably improved as we have gone on: starting, how to accelerate, getting the timing right. And, today it was good, but I can improve more!"
Final Overall Standings
1. Artemis, Torbjorn Tornqvist, SWE, 23.25
2. Patches, Eamon Conneely IRL, 50.00
3. Mean Machine, Peter De Ridder, MON, 50.50
4. Siemens, Alberto Roemmers, Esp, 55.25
5. Stay Calm, Stuart Robinson, Gbr, 55.75
6. Windquest, Doug Devos, Usa, 61.50
7. Mutua Madrilena, Bablio S.P., Chi, 61.75
8. Glory, John Buchan, Usa, 69.00
9. Cristabella, John Cook, Gbr, 74.75
10. Cam, Leon/Sanchez, Esp, 78.00
http://www.rolextp52globals2007.com
In the end they made it look easy. With only a single score outside the top five all week - a six in the first race - Torbjorn Tornqvist's Artemis (SWE), with Russell Coutts in the role of tactician (and at times magician) swept to a comprehensive victory at the Rolex TP52 Global Championship 2007. The winning margin was 26.75 points ahead of 2006 Champion, Eamon Conneely's Patches (IRL). The enormity of the win is emphasized by only 6 points separating the next four boats.