Home favourite Johnie Berntsson made a flawless start to the 2026 GKSS Match Cup Sweden, winning all three of his opening matches as the world's leading match racing teams began competition in Marstrand, Sweden.
Fresh winds, sunshine and large crowds provided an ideal backdrop for the opening day of the 32nd edition of the prestigious event, which features 10 Open teams and eight all-female crews competing for the GKSS Match Cup Sweden and Nordea Women's Trophy titles.
Berntsson's unbeaten start put the Swedish skipper at the top of the Open standings after the opening round of racing.
Australia's Cole Tapper (Kairos Racing) and France's Ange Delerce also made encouraging starts with two wins from three matches.
Defending 2024 champion Chris Poole (USA) won one of his opening three matches but remains in contention as the qualifying round robin continues. Reigning 2025 champion Jeppe Borch of Denmark begins his title defence on Tuesday.
Title Defence — Defending 2024 champion Chris Poole and Riptide Racing remain in contention after the opening day of the 2026 GKSS Match Cup Sweden despite recording one win from three matches. Photo: Ian Roman
"It is great to be back here in Marstrand," said Borch. "We love racing here, and while it looks like we may have some windy conditions this week, we are looking forward to the challenge of defending our title."
The Nordea Women's Trophy also got underway with eight international teams representing Europe and North America.
France's Pauline Courtois and Sweden's Anna Östling each recorded three wins from four races, while Sweden's Martina Carlsson made the strongest start by remaining unbeaten after two matches.
"Marstrand is a very special place for us," said Carlsson. "There is always such a huge crowd and so many Swedish flags, which really encourages us. We enjoy sailing in stronger breeze and, after finishing fourth last year, we're definitely aiming for the podium this week."
Women's Challenge — The Nordea Women's Trophy got under way in Marstrand with eight elite international crews competing, as Pauline Courtois and Anna Östling shared the early lead. Photo: Ian Roman
Two American crews also made their Nordea Women's Trophy debuts. Lindsey Baab's Fog Racing from San Francisco and Caroline Bayless' Team Something Chill from Annapolis adapted to the FarEast 28 keelboats after only one practice session.
"Today was challenging because we're still learning the FarEast 28 and sailing with asymmetric spinnakers," said Fog Racing crew member Kate Shiber. "Every race taught us something, especially about our timing and teamwork. It's an incredible venue and we're thrilled to have been invited."
Racing continues throughout the week on the iconic waters off Marstrand, with the world's top match racing teams bidding for one of the sport's most prestigious titles.
