Langenargen, Germany – 24 May, 2012: Rolf Mϋller, the Lord Mayor of Langenargen, used last night’s opening reception for Match Race Germany to officially mark the start of the regatta and went on to underline the importance of the event to the region.

Addressing the competing teams, event staff, VIP guests and sponsors, Mϋller said Match Race Germany had become a focal point in the region’s sporting calendar since it started 15 years ago. 

“It’s difficult to overestimate the impact that Match Race Germany has on Langenargen and the surrounding areas. The sailing and all the other event features in the Race Village are a great advertisement and help raise the profile and attract more tourists to the region.

“I have watched this event grow year on year into a world class sailing regatta featuring the very best sailors from around the world and I would like to thank the hundreds of people who make this event happen. I would like to welcome you all and hope you enjoy a wonderful week here.”

Match Race Germany is the first event on the 2012 Alpari World Match Race Tour, making it a timely opportunity to unveil for the first time the stunning ISAF Match Racing World Championship trophy to Rolf Mϋller and guests.

It’s projected that a record number of fans, over 30,000, will visit the Race Village over the course of Match Race Germany, seven of the nine Tour Card Holders will be in action.