Exeter School alumnus enters record books

1995 Exeter School leaver Ian Williams has entered the record books as the first skipper to win sailing's World Match Racing Tour title six times.

The former Senior Prefect and Captain of Hockey, and GAC Pindar sailor previously won the title in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2015, beating his own record when he won the title for the fifth time last year.

Ian won the Final of the Monsoon Cup on Saturday 30 January, and extended his record as the most successful match racing skipper in the history of the World Match Racing Tour.

The victory was won after an exciting three-way battle with Björn Hansen (Nautiska) and Taylor Canfield (US One).

Williams and the GAC Pindar crew secured the title and the accompanying $80,000 prize money with a convincing 3-0 victory over Canfield in the final race.

Ian also overtook his own record to become the only skipper to have won the Monsoon Cup four times.

He said they were all absolutely thrilled with the result.

"A great job by GAC Pindar all year which has culminated in this final victory," said Ian.

"I'd like to thank the crew for their effort over the 2015/16 season. We've worked really well over the year and it is an honour to sail with them. I'd also like to thank GAC Pindar for all of their support in helping me claim this record-breaking sixth world title."

Andrew Pindar, GAC Pindar team principal commented: "It's yet another fantastic record-breaking achievement from Ian and the crew. The commitment, resolve and dedication that Ian practices has really shone through this week and he's got the result he deserved. We're absolutely delighted to work with  a consistent record-breaking champion."

Next month Ian and his team will compete in Fremantle, Australia on the World Match Racing Tour 2016.