The NZ Youth World Match Racing Championship Trials took place in near perfect conditions with an average 10-15 knot Northerly over the course of the weekend. Matthew Hughes from RNZYS and his team of Hamish McGill and Cameron Moss took out the regatta after defeating Finn Wright (RPNYC) in the semi finals 3-1. He won the final 3-1 against Oakley Marsh (RPNYC).
Marsh caused the upset of the regatta after George Anyon (RNZYS) elected to choose Marsh in the semifinals. Anyon dominated the four round robins on Saturday, only dropping one race. It was 2-1 to Marsh before the teams each scored 0.5 in a dead heat. Marsh took out the last race after Anyon received a red flag penalty coming off the start line.
Hughes has a guaranteed spot at the Youth World Match Racing Championships in Noumea in June with rumors that there could be a second spot up for grabs.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made the regatta possible. On the start boat this weekend we had Ken Burt, Roger Cook, Paul Davies and Clyde Bennett. The umpire team consisted of Chief Umpire Roger Purdy, Dean Stanley, John Grace and Phil McDowell. The sailors appreciate all the time and effort that goes into the running of a regatta.
