Pwllheli, Wales, United Kingdom – September 8, 2001 – A first in the 102-year history of the One Ton Cup – oldest French trophy in yachting – an all-woman team competed. America True CEO Dawn Riley skippered Ortwin Kandler’s IC 45 Faster K-Yote I with a female crew for this 79th edition race. “We all looked forward to a great regatta sailing against some really big rock stars,” Riley said.

Atalanti X’s Greek owner George Andreadis and New Zealand skipper Gavin Brady dominated this year’s event, capturing first place. Ben Ainslie came in second with David McLean’s Babbalaas. Races were shown live on the One Ton Cup website from September 3-8. Founded in 1899, the One Ton Cup derives its name from the “one ton” boats of the original regatta competition sponsored by the Cercle de la Voile de Paris. Since 1999, the race has become a top level one-design class IC 45, which is an ISAF international class.

The picture, photographed by Karsten Koch, shows the women-crewed Faster K-Yote I nearby the overall winner Atalanti X.

“The rain finally cleared up and we had a solid 18-20 knots coming offshore, so nice flat water and absolutely beautiful scenery!” Riley said the first day of racing. Overcast skies shadowed this year’s regatta.

Pwlheli, on the Cambrian Coast of North Wales, was the setting for this year?s competition. The resort – known for its beautiful location, outdoor leisure and water sports – has grown from a merchant harbor in the Middle Ages to competing as a venue for sailing races in the 2004 Olympic Games.

Riley’s team alternated between fourth and sixth in the field, and finished sixth overall; the challenge was formidable. “The team shaped up nicely – we had some work to do on the maneuvers, but had good boat speed,” Riley said. “We gained valuable eperience.”

Melissa Purdy was skipper Riley’s tactician. The sail number of Ortwin Kandler’s IC 45 Faster K-Yote I is GER 18831.

Top yachting competitors from around the world vie for the famous 10-kilogram solid silver trophy. Past winners include William K. Vanderbilt, Ted Turner, Willy Illbruck, Paul Cayard and Russell Coutts. Besides owner Ortwin Kandler and skipper Dawn Riley, this year’s six competitors include owner George Andreadis and skipper Gavin Brady, owner David McLean and skipper Ben Ainslie, owner Chris Little and skipper Jeremy Robinson, owner Stephen Kandler and skipper Laurent Delage, owner and skipper Nigel Bramwell.

 NOTE: Ashley Perrin of Racing Yacht Management was a floater on the boat.