Issue date
Eight North Island 420 teams tested their skills at Oceanbridge Sail Auckland, MBSC last weekend, the final regatta available before 2016 New Zealand 420 National Championships.
The Oceanbridge Sail Auckland regatta offered a three day wind range suite of 4 - 22k and a no wind day four. This gave all teams the opportunity to test their set up, boat handling and tactical skills in every mode, using available tricky shifty sea breezes and excellent race committee management course setting.
Oceanbridge Sail Auckland - Gold and Silver medallists: Henry/Josh & Taylor/Jono
The top boy’s team Josh Berry/Henry Haslett took home the regatta 1st placing Gold medal this time swapping with squad mates Jono Weston/Taylor Balogh who won Gold in the earlier 6 February North Islands Regatta, but with the same 4 point margin.
Oceanbridge Sail Auckland - Gold and Silver medallists: Xanthe/Kerensa & Alice/Annabel
The girl’s teams demonstrated the challenge of some results inconsistencies . However recent new pair Xanthe Copeland/Kerensa Jennings took Gold over Alice Haslett/Annabel Cave (Silver) and Courtney & Brianna Reynolds-Smith (Bronze).
Regatta hero’s included a ‘new regatta pair’ Sam Street and Opti Sailor helm Campbell Stanton who at times were mixing the lead chase influencing the front pack. Applying equal front pack pressure was European new pair Sophie Tschach (AUT)/Dende (GER) who also took advantage of any fleet weaknesses.
The comradeship and expertise of the fleets was excellent to see. The Regatta has been a good stepping stone for NZ National Championships (KYC), 10 - 13 March.
Immense thanks are communicated to sponsors Oceanbridge, Aon, Maersk Line, HRG, Volvo, Zhik, High Performance NZ, World Sailing, NZL Sailing Team, Yachting NZ, Sport New Zealand and additionally to Murrays Bay Sailing Club for hosting the Regatta.
South Island observations are 1st SI team Nicholas Gardiner/Nick Williams will present as a strong NZ 420 National Championships team also with teams Max McLachlan/Fergus Frame and Zac Scheiwe/Ben Baynes hot on their heals.
Kohimarama Yacht Club looks forward to hosting NZ 420 National Championships 10 – 13 March, including AUS entry Sophie McIntosh/Emily Summerell and the potential mix of teams from prior 420 years. A surprise guest speaker for the Competitor Event dinner 11th March has been scheduled.
Late entries start 3rd March. 420 Nationals entries available here: https://kyc.webentry.com.au/regatta.php?regattaid=82
