Team INTAC will be competing in the Melges 32 World Championship on September 20–29 in Newport, Rhode Island.
Team INTAC includes Virgin Islands sailors Mark Plaxton and Mark Stephenson.
The 2012 Melges 32 World Championship includes five days of competition with 35 teams from around the world.
The pre-Worlds warm-up competition will be held on Sept. 22-23.
Team INTAC will be representing the VI and will face teams from the United States, Japan, Italy, Bermuda, Turkey, Switzerland and Sweden.
“We have had success on the international sailing stage before, placing second in the 2011 US National Championships and is currently ranked seventh in the Melges 32 world rankings. We hope to elevate our game further at the World Championship,” said Mr. Stephenson, bowman for Team INTAC.
The team was assembled in 2010 by Mr. Plaxton, a VI sailor and founder of INTAC Global Investments, the team’s sponsor.
Serving as tactician for Team INTAC is Olympic medalist and America’s Cup champion Peter Holmberg of the USVI.
Also on the team is Anthony Kotoun of the USVI, who last month placed fourth out of 125 sailors in the Moth Worlds in Lake Garda, Italy.
“Our team is honoured to have the opportunity to represent the BVI in the upcoming Melges 32 World Championship,” Mr. Stephenson said. “It is among the highest level of contests for any sailor, and our team could not attempt such a challenging sailing event without a team of top performers, and the corporate support of INTAC Global Investments.”
Team INTAC is also no stranger to the Caribbean sailing circuit having achieved a clean sweep in last year’s Caribbean regatta season. It secured first place in the Budget Marine Match Racing Cup, Gill Commodores Cup, St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, International Rolex Regatta, Gill BVI Match Racing Championship and the BVI Spring Regatta. It was also named “Boat of the Day” during last year’s Key West Race Week.
“Our team has really come together in the lead up to this competition, but of course the World Championships are at such a high level, we’ll definitely have our work cut out for us,” said Mr. Stephenson.
In addition to sponsoring the VI Melges 32 boat, INTAC Global Investments has encouraged the Melges 32 fleet to host the 2013 Winter Regatta Series in the Caribbean.
“This puts the BVI on the map for those who participate in top-tier competitive boat racing, and will result in a substantial influx of visitors to the BVI next winter,” said President of INTAC Global Investments Tim Vermeulen.
More than 20 teams are expected to participate with more than 300 participants. The series consists of four sailing events, which run over three months. Three out of the four events will be held in the VI.
“Local businesses have the opportunity to boost sales and gain a new and loyal clientele. We love to promote the BVI and next year’s sailing series will be a great way to introduce the magic of the BVI to people from all corners of the globe,” Mr. Vermeulen said. “This really is a remarkable opportunity for the territory, and if it proves to be as successful as we anticipate it may become a regular, biennial event.”
For more information, results and updates about Team INTAC and the Melges 32 World Championship go to: www.facebook.com/TeamINTAC
Team INTAC
James Mark Plaxton (VI) — Helmsman
Peter Holmberg (USVI)— Tactician
Anthony Kotoun (USVI) — Mainsail
Chris Busch (USA) — Trimmer
Travis Ross (USVI) — Pit
Leslie Baehr (USA) — Sewer
Rob Emery (Canada) — Mast
Mark Stephenson (VI) — Bow
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