Aussies triumphant in the Paper Tiger Internationals
by Brian Robinson 23 Jul 09:51 BST
7-10 July 2025
Fleet approaching the start with contest winner Rohan Nicol # 3145 mid fleet closely shadowed by runner up, Hayden Percy # 3157 © Russell Witt Photography
The 34th Paper Tiger Internationals were staged 7-10 July 2025 at Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club near Noosa in SE Queensland. This was the first contest between teams from Australia and New Zealand since 2019 and was the 34th in the series that began 50 years ago in 1975.
The Kiwis travelled to the contest with 16 boats to defend their teams title - 5 wins consecutively since 2013. Winner of the previous two individual titles, Hayden Percy from Napier SC was back in an endeavour to make it a 3-peat.
Light winter north westerly winds greeted the 31 strong fleet for the duration of the contest. Never the less, PRO David Wetherall, backed up superbly by LCSC Commodore, Paul Armstrong and his team expertly managed 9 completed races from a scheduled 10 heat event. No mean feat in the challenging conditions for race management and competitors alike.
Master of the very light and series winner was Rohan Nicol from Lauderdale YC in Hobart, with 5 heat wins (10 points). Defending titleholder, Percy was the only other heat winner with 4 bullets came home runner up (13 points). There was no doubt that as soon as the breeze lifted slightly into the 6-7 knots range, Percy was extremely fast and could easily have been victorious had the conditions been fractionally more in his favour. Kiwi, Scott Barker from Muratai YC sailed ever so consistently for 3rd overall (25 points).
The PTCIA introduced a new trophy this year for female competitors. 15 previous winners dating from Kellie King's inaugural victory in 1988 have also been recognised. This year's winner was Brenda Brownlie from Nelson YC sailing in her first Paper Tiger Internationals. Runner up was Kiwi and former winner in 2010, Jane Thomassen from Evans Bay Yacht & Motor Boat Club.
The highly coveted teams cup 'Presented by the Designer - Ron Given' was regained by the Australians.
Final points - Australia 604, New Zealand 729. This competition is for the top ten from both countries with selection is via each country's most recent national championships.
The series was judged as a great success, despite the winds being light. It was resolved that there is both intent and momentum for the 35th match to take place in New Zealand in 2027.