This past month, Taylor Canfield became the second U.S. Virgin Islander, after Peter Holmberg, to win the Argo Group World Cup in Bermuda.
The 23-year-old is not yet a fully-fledged member of the Alpari World Match Racing Tour. But he said that with this recent Grade 1 victory to his credit he plans to put together an application for a Tour Card next season.
Canfield, who is also the sailing director of the Chicago Match Race Center and winner of the four-regatta 2012 Grand Slam Match Race Series, said winning this event has always been a dream.
“This is the most prestigious event we’ve ever won and to join names like Russell Coutts on the trophy with seven wins, I guess that’s a good goal for us to try and aim at in the next few years.”
The final battle on Hamilton Harbour came down to Canfield and second-time finalist Johnie Berntsson of Sweden. A poor start for Berntsson in the third match on top of a penalty in the third prestart left the Swede with little hope for a comeback after an extremely close second match.
“We’re really disappointed not to have taken the title but all credit to Taylor, they’re a nice team and we’re happy for them,” Berntsson said.
Both Canfield and Berntsson hope to compete in the Monsoon Cup in December. For complete results from the Argo World Cup, visit bermudagoldcup.com.
Photo by Rick Tomlinson/AWMRT
