Four Medal Haul for New Zealand in Melbourne

New Zealand opened the 2015-16 ISAF Sailing World Cup Series with a four medal haul at ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne which wrapped up over the weekend.

All four medals, including one gold and three silvers, came in the Olympic classes, with plenty more commendable results from kiwis competing in the Paralympic and Invited classes.

Logan Dunning-Beck and Jack Simpson (pictured below in action) topped the 49er podium, while in the women’s skiff Erica Dawson and Ellie Copeland came close to overall victory too, settling for silver just one point from the Aussie winners.

NZL Sailing Team’s Thomas Saunders (pictured below left) won silver in the Laser class, and Susannah Pyatt followed suit with silver in the Laser Radial women.

Erica Dawson and Ellie Copeland went down to the wire with the Aussies for the gold medal in the final race in the 49erFX, but they concede the Aussies out-sailed them in the finale.

“Such a close finish,” report Erica and Ellie.

“Going into the medal race we were one point ahead of the Aussies after a good final day of fleet racing, so it was a winner takes all situation. The first three quarters of the race went well and we had a decent lead before the last downwind but the Aussies mowed us down and made a good decision to keep the kite up on the final reach to the finish.”

“A huge congratulations to Caitlin and Tess.”

“We have had a great time here, had super tight racing and feel that we've put into practice what we have been drilling in training. It has been great prep for our Worlds in February. Now we have a break for Christmas and New Years and will get back into it for our nationals early January.”

Above: 49erFX Podium

ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne
New Zealand’s Final Results

Olympic Classes

1^st Logan Dunning-Beck and Jack Simpson (49er)
2^nd Thomas Saunders (Laser)
2^nd Erica Dawson and Ellie Copeland (49er FX)
2^nd Susannah Pyatt (Laser Radial Women)
4^th Sam Barnett and Zak Merton (470M)
9^th Ali Nightingale (Laser Radial Women)
20^th Julia Francis (Laser Radial Women)
11^th Andrew McKenzie (Laser)
16^th Matt Blakey (Laser)
20^th Mathew Kempkers (Laser)
4^th Lauren Mackenzie (RS:X Women)

Paralympic Classes

4^th Rick Dodson, Chris Sharp and Andrew May (Sonar)
7^th Tim Dempsey and Gemma Fletcher (SKUD 18)
12^th Paul Francis (2.4m)

Invited Classes

5^th Karensa Jennings and Chelsea Rees (420 Open)
7^th Jonathon Weston and Taylor Balogh (420 Open)
8^th Josh Berry and Henry Haslett (420 Open)
10^th George Gautrey (Laser Radial)
9^th Mark Stichbury-Cooper and Jonathan Shue (Viper)
23^rd Luke Cameron-Smith (Optimist)
29^th Nathan Vince (Optimist)