Issue date
By Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
After four days of thrilling competition, Waitemata Racing, led by skipper Josh Hyde, has emerged victorious at the 2025 Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, successfully defending their title in a two-race final at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS).
The highly anticipated event saw some of the best young match racers from around the globe battle it out in challenging conditions on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. The regatta featured intense double round-robin racing, followed by semifinals and finals that kept spectators on edge until the very last race.
In the finals, Hyde and his crew - Mason Mulcahy, Zach Fong, Sofia Higgott, and Cody Coughlan - delivered a masterclass in tactical sailing, overcoming Social Division Racing (Samuel Scott, Finn Balchin, Tim McCulloch, Alissa Marshall, and Winston Liesebach) by 2-0 to claim the coveted title.
Their triumph adds to an already impressive season, following victories at the Hardy Cup in Sydney and a strong performance at the Warren Jones Regatta in Perth. Hyde, currently the No 2-ranked youth match racer in the world, showcased his composure under pressure, securing a double race victory in a closely contested final against fellow RNZYS skipper Samuel Scott.
"It’s an incredible feeling to defend our title at home," said Hyde after lifting the trophy. "The team put in a huge effort, and we knew we had to bring our A-game with such strong competition out there. Our Tai Chi rituals and dock-out tunes definitely kept us in the right mindset!"
Scott demonstrated why he is considered one of the top young match racers, even though the team had a challenging round-robin series.
Waitemata Racing (right) in action in the finals. Photos / Live Sail Die
Ethan Fong (Quest Racing) and Hayden Smith (Smith's Racing) had more intense racing than the finals in two petit finals races that kept the umpires on their toes. Flags were flying during both their petite finals races, with some moves on display that were described by their coach, Zak Merton, as "interesting".
"Both these teams really pushed the limits in their races. These teams are always pushing each other hard in training but it seemed the level of intensity stepped up, showing how much this event means to them," said Merton.
After two races, it was Fong at the helm of Quest Racing who secured a podium finish in third place.
Having the top four teams in the competition all from RNZYS, showcased the incredible depth of talent within the Squadron's Mastercard Youth Training Programme.
Josh Hyde and his crew with the trophy. Photos / Live Sail Die
The PredictWind forecast held true, with light winds and strong tidal flows across the four days, adding another layer of complexity to the racing. Skippers who could adapt quickly and execute strategic manoeuvres thrived in the tricky conditions. Local knowledge also played a big part in the overall results.
The 2025 Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup once again proved why it is one of the most prestigious youth sailing events in the world. With the racing fleet of Elliott 7s - generously gifted by Emirates Team New Zealand in 2024 - providing a level playing field, the competition remained fierce from start to finish.
As teams reflect on their performances and set their sights on future regattas, one thing is certain: the next generation of match racing talent is stronger than ever, and many of these young sailors are destined for greatness in the sport.
RNZYS extends its thanks to the volunteer race management and umpire teams, as well as Murray’s Bay Sailing Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club, North Sails and the West family for providing additional support boats for the event.
2025 Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup – final results
1st – Waitemata Racing – NZL / RNZYS
Josh Hyde, Mason Mulcahy, Zach Fong, Sofia Higgott, and Cody Coughlan
2nd – Social Division Racing – NZL / RNZYS
Samuel Scott, Finn Balchin, Tim McCulloch, Alissa Marshall, and Winsten Liesbach
3rd – Quest Racing – NZL / RNZYS
Ethan Fong, Hugo McMullen, Maddie Rist, Wilbur Stanley and Lucas Day
4th – Smith's Racing – NZL / RNZYS
Hayden Smith, Robbie Wooldridge, Luca Smith, Pheobe Buckland, and Austin Candlish
5th – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club – AUS / RPAYC
Daniel Kemp, Louis Tilly, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity, Isabella Holdsworth
6th – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron – AUS / RSYS
James Hayhoe, Ellie Braddon, Michael King, James Hopkins, Harriet McLachlan
7th - Cruising Yacht Club of Australia – AUS / CYCA
Ben Crafoord, Chelsea Williams, Nick Drummond, Charlie Watts, Rye Brady
8th – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron – AUS / RSYS
Xavier McLachlan, Main: Tom Rees, Gretel Payne, Katrina Casimaty, Rafeal Mclaughlan
9th – Jam Hot Racing – NZL / RNZYS
Charley Cates, Jacob Furniss, Jolly Koska, Chris Kenrick
10th – Del Rey Yacht Club Match Racing – USA / DRYC
William Stratton, Matei Meglic, Leila Landay, Lucca Farrel &Cooper Keeves
11th – Hauraki Racing / NZL / RNZYS
Leo Jeffrey, Karol Zhang, Georgia Howlett, Ellie Petty & Bradley Perry
