Match racers Jeppe Borch from Denmark and France’s Pauline Courtois have claimed victory at the 2025 GKSS Match Cup Sweden and Nordea Women’s Trophy in Marstrand, Sweden.
This marks the first time a Danish skipper has won the Match Cup in its thirty-one-year history. Courtois adds another title to her name, the second for a French skipper since Claire Leroy in 2008.
In the women’s semi-finals, Sweden’s Anna Östling was favoured to retain her title. However, Dutch team Out of the Box, led by Julia Aartsen, pulled off an upset, winning 3-2 against Östling.
Courtois’ team faced Aartsen in the final. The French team won both matches, clinching the title with a 2-0 victory.
Nordea Women’s Trophy Champions Pauline Courtois and the Match in Pink by Normandy Elite Team (pictured left to right Pauline Courtois, Maelenn Lemaitre, Louise Acker, Thea Khelif, Laurane Mettraux). Photo: Wilhelm Eriksson
In the open class, Jeppe Borch faced Johnie Berntsson in the semi-finals, winning after a comeback from 1-2 down. He then faced seven-time Marstrand champion Björn Hansen in the final.
Borch’s team won both races, securing the title with a 2-0 win. “What an amazing day!” he said. “To win this iconic event is incredible.”
“It’s a bright future for Jeppe,” said Hansen. “He has shown what he and his team are capable of.”
Final Placings
GKSS Match Cup Sweden
- Jeppe Borch, DEN Team Borch Match Race
- Björn Hansen, SWE Hansen Sailing Team
- Oscar Engström, SWE Team Liros
- Johnie Berntsson, SWE Berntsson Sailing Team
Nordea Women’s Trophy
- Pauline Courtois, FRA. Match in Pink by Normandy Elite Team
- Julia Aartsen, NED. Team Out of the Box
- Anna Östling, SWE. Wings Sailing
- Martina Carlsson, SWE. Beyond Racing Team
