Congratulations to ISAF Match Racing Champions Ian Williams, Malcolm Parker, Gerard Mitchell, Matt Cassidy and Bill Hardesty. After defeating Johnie Berntsson 3-1 at the Monsoon Cup in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, Williams was awarded his third championship crown.
While reigning as one of the US’s top match racers, Hardesty has had a successful 2011 winning the Etchells Worlds as well as the Chicago Grade 2 Invitational this summer. I had the privilege of speaking with Hardesty for a quick moment while he continues to catch up with his life in San Diego, CA.
MK: Obviously you’re an accomplished racer. Does this championship rank as your favorite title, though?
BH: We did the same accomplishment in 2007 winning both the WMRT and Monsoon Cup so we knew what it was like. I think the biggest accomplishment to date was either winning the Etchells Worlds earlier this year with one race to spare. Or winning Key West Race Week in the Melges 24 as helmsman when it came down to the last race to beat Spithill.
MK: Do you have a higher goal in mind or do you plan to keep winning the WMRT?
BH: I would really like to start sailing on the bigger catamarans. It’s a tight market and that sort of commitment needs to be carefully considered. It needs to be with the right team and in the right position.
MK: How do US match racing events compare to those held in Malaysia?
BH: Match Racing in the US is strong with events now taking a more commercial outlook. Its about a lot about having a great venue with public exposure. The US is close to the level now that Chicago Match Race Center is running their big events off Navy Pier.
The biggest difference is where the money comes from. In Malaysia it appears the money comes from the government in an effort to raise tourism. The business models in the US have little to no government backing and rely on either private money or money from commercial sponsors.
MK: What’s your fav US event?
BH: In the US my favorite event has historically been Key West Race Week. It has a good destination feeling and the competition is fierce. Lately, that has changed drastically reduced participation.
Now the Chicago Match Race Center events off Navy Pier are leading the list of favorites. CMRC is bringing sailing to the public without sacrificing the quality of the sport. There is great energy surrounding the CMRC regattas and I see a bright future ahead for the organization.
MK: What’s your next event?
BH: From Malaysia, I flew straight to Fort Lauderdale where we are starting our 2012 Melges 32 Worlds campaign. Its tough to say how we will do but it will be a good journey.
MK: What is your boat of choice in fleet racing events?
BH: In fleet racing its more than just the boat but also your position on the boat and the strength of the fleet. The Etchells is one of the best fleets in the world with great tactical sailing and is a relatively comfortable boat to be crew. The Melges boats are great to drive but the hiking we developed over the years has made crewing a real chore.
The best boats have strong fleets with good racing. Second factor is a toss up between speed/excitement and comfort while sailing. The Melges 20 has found a nice Niche with legs-in sailing, good excitement, and a strong and now growing fleet.
MK: Who is your largest personal supporter?
BH: It’s a close one between my girlfriend Mandi and my Father.
MK: Do you get to settle down and spend some time on Firefly now? what’s your plan for the down-time?
BH: In the winter I spend my downtime I living aboard my cruising sailboat Firefly. She is a 1980 Wauquiez Hood 38. I left Boston in September of 2009 and we are now through the Panama Canal and headed to Costa Rica. As a professional sailor it is common to have weeks of downtime so I like spend them exploring remote tropical islands.
