London, UK – 10 February 2012: The Swedish Sailing Federation crowned skipper Johnie Berntsson and his crew “Swedish Sailors of the Year” in a prize ceremony at the Gothenburg Boat Show today. With fierce competition from the rest of the Swedish sailing elite, Berntsson earned the award after placing third in the World Match Racing Tour 2011.

Celebrating the award, Johnie commented, "The whole crew is very happy to receive this award and for us it’s the nicest title you can have as a Swedish sailor. It means a lot because many other sailors performed well last year. It feels great preparing for the coming tour with some evidence of what we can accomplish. We know it’s going to be difficult but now it’s realistic to start aiming for the top of the scoreboard."

Johnie has targeted a win at his home stage, the Stena Match Cup Sweden "It’s the event that we are looking forward to the most because all our friends and sponsors will get to see us sail. A win at Marstrand is certainly something we would like to place among our career credits."

With the clear goal of taking a top three overall position in the World Match Racing Tour within three years, Berntsson made his debut as a tour card holder last year. After a slow start of the tour, he was able to reach that goal sooner than expected as his form improved dramatically over the summer. He finished the season by sailing his way into the finals of the Monsoon Cup where he lost to tour champion Ian Williams buy claimed third place in the overall Tour standings.  

World Match Racing Tour, Chief Executive Jim O'Toole added his congratulations:

“Sweden boasts some excellent sailing talent. We are proud that one of our Tour Card Holders has one this prestigious award and commend Johnie and his team on the recognition they have won. They are not only a good sailing team but a great bunch of guys who bring personality, professionalism and fun to our Tour.”