The 2025 MGM Macao International Regatta
The 2025 MGM Macao International Regatta, organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, MGM, and Ursa Major Sailing Event Management, co-organized by the Marine and Water Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macau Sailing Association, supported by the Zhuhai Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau, and partnered with the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), commenced today (January 8) until January 12.
World Match Racing Tour – Macao Match Cup Debut
The key highlight of the first matchday was the debut of the “World Match Racing Tour – Macao Match Cup,” a special event recognized by World Sailing as a World Championship-level competition. This race also serves as the opening event of the 2025 season for the World Match Racing Tour. 12 top international match racing teams from the United States, Italy, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden are competing against one another.
Exciting Races and Performances
Eight flights of races were contested today in the waters south of the Macao Science Center. United Kingdom’s Ian Williams, who recently claimed his eighth WMRT world championship title, achieved five wins in all five races. In Flight 4, Williams defeated Australia’s Zac West after the latter received a penalty due to a collision incident. Williams then prevailed in a close battle against France’s Pauline Courtois, the 2024 Women’s Match Racing World Champion and the French Women’s Match Racing Champion.
Gavin Brady from the United States and Tom Foucher from France also put up good performances to win all of their three races today. In particular, Foucher underlined his credentials by defeating world number one Chris Poole from the United States.
Other Regatta Events
In addition to WMRT – Macao Match Cup, the second matchday will also feature the “Lotus Cup Regatta” (IRC category) and the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta” (IRC category).
Fleet Parades and Livestreaming
To allow residents and tourists to experience the charm of sailing, fleet parades will be held tomorrow (January 9) and on Sunday (January 12). The races will be livestreamed on multiple platforms, including the official websites and social media pages of the event organizers.
Family Fun Day and Photography Competition
On January 11 and 12, a “Family Fun Day” will take place at the Leisure Area of Kun Iam Statue Waterfront – Star on Coast, featuring sailing experiences and family workshops, which is open to residents and visitors for free. The organizers will also hold a “2025 MGM Macao International Regatta” photography competition.
Promoting Maritime Sports in Macao
Through this year’s event, the organizers aim to further promote the development of maritime sports in Macao and present an international sailing spectacle for sailing enthusiasts worldwide.
More Information
For more information, please visit the event’s official website at www.macaoregatta.com, or follow the “Macao Major Sporting Events” Facebook page, “澳門體育” (Macao Sports) WeChat public account, and “澳門特區體育局” (Macao SAR Sports Bureau) WeChat subscription account.