Bedford NS, September 9, 2000 - After two very competitive days of sailing in perfect conditions in the Bedford Basin, the double round-robin portion of the 5th annual Nova Scotia Match Racing Championships has been completed. Two teams, Erik Koppernaes of BBYC and Rory MacDonald of RNSYS each won 8 out of 9 races over the two day series, and competed against each other in the final race on Saturday for the trophy of the challenger series. While the racing was close and competitive during the final match, Rory MacDonald, a first time entrant, finished ahead of Erik and was awarded the William Alexander and Associates perpetual trophy for the round robin series and goes on to challenge the defending champion.

The RNSYS team included Rory Macdonald, skipper, Sean McDermott, main trimmer, Matt Bourgal, jib trimmer, Shannon Tilley, spinnaker trimmer, Andrew Orr, panel, Nick Phillips, mastman and Joe Sampson, foredeck. Advancing to the semi-finals along with MacDonald will be Erik Koppernaes, BBYC who finished second in the round robin and Eric Smith, RNSYS who finished third in the round robin. Joining these three teams will be the defending champion John Roy, RNSYS.

Results of the round-robin were:

The semi-finals will be a best of three competition featuring Rory Macdonald versus Eric Smith and Erik Kopernaes versus John Roy, the defending champion from 1999. The two winning teams from the best of three semi-finals will advance to a best of five final. Racing will begin on Sunday morning at 1100 in the Bedford Basin in the vicinity of Spruce Island. Spectators are welcome. Prize presentation will follow the racing Sunday at approximately 16:00 at the Bedford Basin Yacht Club located at 73 Shore Drive, Bedford.

Sponsors
Impact Promotional Products, Nova Communications, Oland Brewery, Quantum Sailmakers, William Alexander & Associates and xwave.

For More Information
Rod Wark, Regatta Chairman
(902) 471-9022
www.nsmrc.com