Argo Group Gold Cup not threatened by Hurricane Gonzalo

Hamilton Bermuda (October 19, 2014) – The aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo, which directly hit Bermuda on Friday (Oct. 17) as a category two storm, has left the British overseas territory in better condition than expected. Clean-up efforts are underway, as is the restoration of power. Assessing the situation, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has announced that the Argo Group Gold Cup will begin Wednesday, October 22 as planned.

Using the plan announced last week, which is to delay the start by one day, the Argo Group Gold Cup will be compressed to five days of racing and organizers will take advantage of the fine weather expected after Gonzalo. Winds predicted to be in the 20kt range each day will help get the full event completed for the competitors and spectators.

The Argo Group Gold Cup, the sixth stage of the Alpari World Match Racing Tour, had been threatened by the forecaste category 3 storm with predicted winds of over 130 mph. Saturday morning island officials were accessing the damage and later in the day reopened the causeway that links the Bermuda International Airport to the Hamilton end of the island, points South and West.

The causeway to the airport is now open and flights are expected on schedule today. British Airways has re-booked many of the competitor’s flights.

There was minor roof damage at the club which will not impact the facilities. The terrace and the famous bar will be open for business as usual Monday.

The event uses eight IOD (International One Design) boats within the competition format with two spare boats on the ready. One of our spare IODs was damaged in the storm but the organizers are working on a replacement. All other support boats are undamaged.

Thirteen countries are represented in the 2014 Argo Group Gold Cup. The matches will be sailed with the same 20-team format used in 2013. This Argo Group Gold Cup format is unique on the Alpari World Match Racing Tour. It allows for two 10-team groups. Skippers in each group are ranked and divided by Alpari World Match Racing Tour officials and the organizers at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Rankings in the groups are based on AWMRT and ISAF rankings and other performance factors. Each group will sail a 10-team round-robin. Each group’s top four teams move directly to the Quarter Finals. Ranking are updated to Oct. 15.

Report by event media.

Background: Argo Group Gold Cup (October 22-26) is the sixth stop on the seven event Alpari World Match Racing Tour, the leading professional match racing series sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). Prize money is awarded for each event, with event points culminating in the crowning of the “ISAF Match Racing World Champion”. Tour website: http://www.wmrt.com