Poole and Hamilton set for Gold Cup showdown

Poole beat Oscar Engstrom (SWE) 3-1 in the quarter-finals before defeating Denmark’s Jeppe Borch by the same score in the semi-finals, and he is delighted to be in action in the final match of the regatta.

“The Bermuda Gold Cup is what I would call one of the big three on the world match racing tour with Congressional Cup and Match Cup in Sweden,” Poole said. “We’ve managed to make the finals of those two and do well with those but this one’s eluded me. It’s a tricky venue with lots of shifts and I think it’s testament to the guys around me on the boat that are keeping me calm and that’s what is translating into good boat speed and decision making.”

Poole has had a couple of run-ins with the umpires this week but insists his focus has been on calming down and staying cool.

“I’ve really focused on trying to keep calm and level-headed. Earlier in the week I was a bit fiery and now I’m dialling in the mental focus and getting myself in the right head space.”

While Poole has made into his first final after a number of years of trying, Hamilton has got there at his first attempt after beating Eric Monnin 3-0 in the quarter-finals and Aurelien Pierroz 3-2 in a titanic semi-final tussle.

After less than two years on tour, Hamilton is struggling to comprehend his achievement.

Poole has had a couple of run-ins with the umpires this week but insists his focus has been on calming down and staying cool.

“I’ve really focused on trying to keep calm and level-headed. Earlier in the week I was a bit fiery and now I’m dialling in the mental focus and getting myself in the right head space.”

While Poole has made into his first final after a number of years of trying, Hamilton has got there at his first attempt after beating Eric Monnin 3-0 in the quarter-finals and Aurelien Pierroz 3-2 in a titanic semi-final tussle.

After less than two years on tour, Hamilton is struggling to comprehend his achievement.