MARSTRAND, Sweden (3 July 2026) – The island of Marstrand is set for a thrilling Championship Saturday at the 2026 GKSS Match Cup Sweden and Nordea Women’s Trophy final, with hometown star Oscar Engström and American match racing ace Chris Poole advancing to the Open Match Cup final. Sweden’s Martina Carlsson is also chasing her first women’s world tour title in the Nordea Women’s Trophy against defending champion Pauline Courtois of France.
With fresh north-westerly winds gusting above 20 knots testing crews throughout the day, the quarterfinals and semifinals delivered dramatic comebacks and major upsets. The competition is fierce as four teams remain in the quest for two prestigious titles at this year’s GKSS Match Cup Sweden, officially part of the World Match Racing Tour.
Engström Keeps Home Hopes Alive
After earning a direct berth to the semifinals by topping the round robin stage with a 6-3 record, Engström watched the morning’s quarterfinals unfold before launching his own bid for the title.
The biggest surprise of the day came from France’s Ange Delerce, competing in his first World Match Racing Tour championship. His remarkable debut continued with a stunning 3-1 upset victory over seven-time Match Cup Sweden champion Björn Hansen and the Hansen Sailing Team.
Local favourite Johnie Berntsson delighted the home crowd in a gripping five-race battle, edging Australia’s Cole Tapper and Kairos Racing 3-2 to reach the semifinals. Meanwhile, 2024 Match Cup Sweden champion Chris Poole and Riptide Racing survived an equally dramatic contest, defeating defending champion Jeppe Borch of Denmark 3-2, ending Borch’s title defence.
In the semifinals, Engström produced one of his strongest performances of the regatta, defeating fellow Swede Berntsson 2-0 to secure his place in the championship match. Poole, chasing his second Match Cup Sweden title in three years, faced a tough fight from Delerce before prevailing 2-1 in their hard-fought semifinal match.
Although Delerce’s challenge ended just short of the final, he leaves Marstrand having made a significant mark as one of the World Match Racing Tour’s brightest emerging talents.
Carlsson’s Perfect Run Continues
The Nordea Women’s Trophy will also feature a tense final, with Martina Carlsson going up against defending champion and reigning women’s match racing world champion Pauline Courtois.
Carlsson and her Beyond Racing crew have been the standout performers of the week, extending their unbeaten record to nine consecutive race wins with a 2-0 semifinal victory over Denmark’s Lea Richter Vogelius.
Courtois continued her impressive title defence by defeating former champion Anna Östling and WINGS Sailing 2-0, preventing an all-Swedish final and ensuring the French skipper remains firmly on course for back-to-back Nordea Women’s Trophy victories.
Championship Saturday Awaits
With both championship matchups now confirmed, anticipation is building for a spectacular finale. Can Engström complete a dream week in front of his home supporters and capture the biggest title of his career? Or will Poole add another Match Cup Sweden crown to his growing list of international victories?
In the women’s competition, Carlsson’s flawless campaign will be put to its toughest test against the defending champion as Courtois strives to retain the Nordea Women’s Trophy.
For more information on the World Match Racing Tour, visit www.wmrt.com
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