D-7 before the Aircalin Match Racing Cup
by Laurence Bouchet 9 Aug 2018 05:16 BST
15-18 August 2018
Aircalin Match Racing Cup 2018 © Laurence Bouche
Twelve teams from the Pacific Region, Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia have a "rendez vous" in Noumea from 15 to 18 of August 2018 for the Aircalin Match Racing Cup.
Four days sailing: 2 rankings: Open and Youth
Eight teams are under 23, the other 4 are more experienced, 3 skippers are women who will sail with mixed crews. Our match race, which mixes experienced and inexperienced sailors, will permit a real exchange between the sailors. Social events will be organized for participants.
The favorites:
The local sailor Cyril Fortin who won the last edition will be back. His main challengers are the kiwis Jordan Stevenson and Celia Willison from the Youth program of the RNZYS (home of the America's Cup). Jordan Stevenson (world ranking 95th) is coming to win but Cyril knows the boats and the sailing area really well... Highly intense matches are expected.
We are also very happy to welcome Juliet Costanzo and her team from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
Racing starts August 15th at the CNC Yacht Club on our Elliott 6 fleet.
Since the very beginning of international Match racing in 2007, our event has been a real springboard for the future world sailing elite:
Georges Anyon, Harry Price, Will Darguaville and Chris Still, have already participated in the New Caledonia Match Race.
An international management of the race:
The CNC yacht club wants to organize an international event and respect international rules. Each year we invite an international umpire and race committee to improve our local sailors and technical team.
This year, Ted Anderson (Aus) is coming as Race Committee Director.
John Rountree (IU/IJ), Philippe Mazard (NU/IJ), Erica Kirby (IU/NJ) and 3 French National Umpires will umpire the matches.
This is a real chance for our young sailors to improve their international experience.
Quick Links:
- Follow the LIVE results from the racing here
- Live results updates will be available by Twitter - @ NCMatchRace
- Follow the New Caledonia sailing event on Facebook for updates, photos and daily reports here
- CNC Yacht Club website (in French) for more updates and regatta information here