Warren Jones International Youth Regatta - Day 1

Matt Jerwood on day 1 of the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta © John Roberson

Local skipper Matt Jerwood leads

Perth based skipper Matt Jerwood made a strong opening on the first day of the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta today on the Swan River, winning his first six matches, before suffering two losses, but retains the overall lead.

The young skipper and his team, who last week won the Australian Match Racing Championships, commented, "it was a long day, but it was nice to have six wins to start the regatta. We lost the last two races, which was a bit frustrating, we were really tired. It was a solid first day and we know what we've got to do tomorrow."

The American team led by Peter Holz from Chicago claimed second place on the leaderboard, despite being without their skipper. Holz was delayed en-route by cancelled flights and missed connections, so crew member Jordan Reece took over the helm and steered the team to a five win, two loss scoreline.

When the skipper touched down late in the afternoon and discovered his team's success, he quipped, "I'd better go straight back to the airport and leave them to it."

Three teams share third place, Denmark's Joachim Aschenbrenner, Chris Steele of New Zealand and another local skipper Lachy Gilmour.

Being sailed on Perth's Swan River, the event is being hosted by the Royal Perth Yacht Club, and organised by Swan River Sailing.

The twelve teams competing were subjected to a variety of wind conditions to compliment the constant heat, which remained around 38 degrees C for most of the day. The morning easterly breeze was fitful and shifty, with the gust feeling as if they came straight from a blast furnace. After a windless lunchtime interval, a steady but weak sea breeze established itself, but provided little relief from the heat.

The regatta continues until Friday.

Results after Day 1: (wins / losses)

1 Matt Jerwood (South of Perth Y.C.) 6 / 2
2 Peter Holz (Chicago Match Racing Centre) 5 / 3
3= Joachim Aschenbrenner (Royal Dansh Y.C.) 4 / 1
3= Chris Steele (Royal New Zealand Y.S.) 4 / 1
3= Lachy Gilmour (Royal Freshwater Bay Y.C.) 4 / 1
6= Sam Gilmour (Royal Freshwater Bay Y.C.) 3 / 2
6= Kohei Ichikawa (Japan Sailing Federation) 3 / 5
6= Jay Griffin (Cruising Y.C. of Australia) 3 / 5
9= Mark Lees (Royal Southern Y.C.) 2 / 3
9= Sam Ellis (Cruising Y.C. of Australia) 2 / 3
11= Malcolm Parker (Royal Prince Alfred Y.C.) 0 / 5
11= Will Boulden (Royal Freshwater Bay Y.C.) 0 / 5