International Youth Match Racing in New Zealand

by Lisa Ratcliff on 26 Feb 2001 The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has finished in fourth place in the International Youth Match Racing Series (previously the Coke Cup), which was contested last week in Auckland, New Zealand, by 12 international teams.

The CYCA's team of Trent Ross, 19, Gareth Collins, 19, and Kurt Fatouros, 18, battled the light and fluky conditions to finish behind the winning French team from Antibes Yacht Club and the two teams from the host Club, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, in the five-day regatta, which concluded yesterday.

'Our boys have notched up a very credible result, particularly as the late invitation cut into their practice time, and their crew weight typically suits heavier conditions,' said the Youth Sailing Academy Coach Lindsey Marwood.

'The fact that they toppled last year's defending champions from the UK is testament to their teamwork and ability to adapt to changing conditions,' she said.

The New Zealand regatta is regarded internationally as the unofficial world youth match racing championships. The next event on the youth calendar is the Victorian Youth Match Racing Championships in March, where the CYCA team will be defending their title.

Final Placings in the International Youth Match Racing Series

1. Antibes Yacht Club - FRA
2. Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Blue - NZ
3. Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Red - NZ
4. Cruising Yacht Club of Australia - AUS
5. Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron - AUS
6. Royal Yachting Association - UK
7. King Harbour Yacht Club - USA
8. Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron - AUS
9. Newport Harbour Yacht Club - USA
10. Yacht Club Punta Ala - ITA
11. Kanagawa Youth Yacht Club - JPN
12. Wakayama Marina City Yacht Club - JPN

For further information please contact Lisa Ratcliff on 0418 428 511.