- The “2025 MGM Macao International Regatta” took place in January.
- A total of 270 elite sailors from 22 countries and regions gathered in Macau to compete for the prestigious titles.
The “2025 MGM Macao International Regatta”, organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, MGM and Ursa Major Sailing Event Management and partnered with the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), took place in Macau from 8 to 12 January 2025.
This year’s event featured three competition categories: the “World Match Racing Tour – Macao Match Cup”, the “Lotus Cup Regatta” (IRC category) and the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta” (IRC category). A total of 270 elite sailors from 22 countries and regions gathered in Macau to compete for the prestigious titles.
A major highlight of the Regatta 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. Serving as the season opener for the 2025 WMRT, this event attracted 12 of the world’s top international racing teams. British sailor Ian Williams emerged victorious, delivering an outstanding performance to defeat New Zealand’s Nick Egnot-Johnson and claim first place. USA’s Chris Poole secured third place by overcoming his compatriot, Gavin Brady.
The “Lotus Cup Regatta” drew nine teams from seven countries and regions, including the debut of Team Ningbo One from China. Turkey’s Ravenol Sailing Team claimed the championship, with China’s Big Boys Sailing Team and Turkey’s Amigos Sailing Team finishing as runners-up and in third place, respectively.
The “Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta” (IRC Class) brought together 11 competitive teams. Hong Kong’s CAPITANO team triumphed, leading the scoreboard to win the overall championship. China’s Wavy Life Sailing Team secured second place, while Hong Kong’s RAMPAGE finished in third. The local team, Macao Lorcha Team, completed the event in fifth place.
The event was officiated by a professional international panel of judges. Craig Mitchell served as the Principal Umpire for the “Macao Match Cup”, supported by eight international judges, with David Brookes as the Principal Race Officer. The “Lotus Cup Regatta” and the “Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta” were managed by an international arbitration panel of five members.
The event was broadcast live across multiple platforms, allowing viewers to enjoy the live action from anywhere in real time.
Engaging Activities to Attract Audience Participation
To offer both citizens and tourists an up-close experience of the sailing race, the organizers arranged fleet parades on 9 and 12 January.
On 11 and 12 January, the organizers also hosted a “Family Fun Day” at the Leisure Area of Kun Iam Statue Waterfront. The event included sailing experiences and family workshops, which were open to the public.
Additionally, the “2025 MGM Macao International Regatta” photography competition was held simultaneously, with submissions accepted from 27 January to 14 February.
The organizers expressed their hope that through this event, they would further promote the development of water sports in Macau and provide a spectacular international sailing feast for sailing enthusiasts around the world.