IAN WILLIAMS of Great Britain clinched a record-setting eighth World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) championship during the thrilling finale of the 2024 WMRT Shenzhen ? Bao’an Grand Final on Dec. 15. Williams delivered a stunning comeback against New Zealand’s Nick Egnot-Johnson in the decisive match, successfully defending his 2023 title. The victory cements Williams as the most decorated skipper in WMRT history. Egnot-Johnson and his KNOTS Racing team finished as runners-up, and France’s Aurélien Pierroz secured third place. The WMRT Shenzhen ? Bao’an Grand Final, held from Dec. 10-15, marked the culmination of the 2024 match racing season. Set against the backdrop of Qianhai Bay and the bustling OH Harbor in Bao’an, the event brought together 12 elite teams from eight countries, including the U.K., New Zealand, France, China, and the United States. In addition to the on-water action, the event offered an immersive spectator experience, attracting over 200,000 attendees. The Sailing Carnival engaged visitors with hands-on activities such as gearbag crafting, creative sailboat model workshops, and simulated land-based windsurfing. As one of World Sailing’s Special Events, alongside the America’s Cup and The Ocean Race, WMRT continues to be the pinnacle of competitive sailing. (SD News) | 