Match racing is a “boat-against-boat” dueling format where success depends not only on speed and skill, but also on strategy, the ability to read the wind, and reacting instantly to every shift on the course.
Unlike traditional fleet racing, where many boats start at once, each duel here is like a small chess match played on the water.
Teams compete across several stages in different cities, earning points and building their ranking. The best crews then meet in the grand final.
The final of the European Match Race Tour (EMRT) — one of the most dynamic and spectacular match racing series in Europe — was held for the first time in Limassol, hosted at our home club, CISC — the Cyprus International Sailing Club.
In 2025, EMRT stages were held in five countries:
- Naples, Italy
- Balchik, Bulgaria
- Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
- Marmaris, Türkiye
- The final in Limassol, Cyprus
Each venue offers a new sailing area, different winds, and unique conditions — a combination that makes the tour exciting, diverse, and a genuine challenge even for the most seasoned crews.
Final Timeline
Limassol — a city where the sailing season lasts almost year-round — became the natural stage for the decisive battles. And although Cyprus is known for stable weather, the season finale had its surprises.
Day 1: A Confident Start and an Unexpected Downpour
The morning couldn’t have been better: steady breeze, flawless organization, and beautiful matchups on the water. Nine races were completed within a few hours, and it seemed the rest of the day would run just as smoothly.
But the weather had other plans. A sudden, heavy downpour — so rare that even local sailors were stunned — hit the racecourse. Everyone was soaked to the bone, yet the mood remained high.
Day 2: When the Wind Plays Games
The second day brought a far trickier breeze. Shifts, lulls, and sudden gusts forced crews to work with extra precision — watching every change and making decisions literally within seconds.
Despite the unstable wind, nearly the entire round-robin stage was completed.
Day 3: Decisive Duels
The final day featured the semifinals and the all-important medal races.
Podium positions were settled in extremely tight matches, sometimes with only a few meters separating the boats at the finish.
Altogether, 28 races were sailed over three days — an excellent outcome for a tour finale.
Bronze for Team CISC
A special moment for local fans was the third-place finish of Vladimir Lipavsky and Team CISC.
Racing at home always brings double pressure, but the team handled every stage confidently and fully earned their place on the podium.
Final EMRT Results
- Christian Hamilton (United Kingdom)
A seasoned match racer known for precise starts and consistent tactical skills. Competes with Team Magnum and is a regular on the international circuit. - Matti Sepp (Estonia)
A strong, technically excellent sailor — one of the best-known match racers in Northern Europe. - Vladimir Lipavsky (Cyprus / CISC)
Great speed, confident decision-making, and cohesive teamwork made this bronze medal fully deserved.
They were followed by Piotr Harasimowicz, Matthiew Greenfield, Julian Fung, Manos Chatzigiannis, and Ivan Georgiev — all key figures in European match racing and an essential part of the final.
The EMRT 2025 finale became a fitting conclusion to an eventful season.
It brought together top racers, challenged the teams with every kind of condition, and offered spectators three days of true sailing spectacle.
Thank you to all participants!
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