Issue date
Jack Simpson and Markus Somerville have been selected to represent New Zealand in the 29er skiff at the 2013 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships on from 13-20 July in Limmasol, Cyprus.
This will be Jack’s second Youth Worlds Regatta having helmed New Zealand’s 29er entry in Zadar, Croatia in 2011; this year he is crew with Markus Somerville at the helm.
Markus and Jack sailed exceptionally well in Australia this summer, winning the 29er Australian National Championship, then returning to New Zealand to convincingly win both the New Zealand 29er National Championships and the 29er event at 2013 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland.
To prepare for the 2013 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships Markus and Jack will be coached by Jim Maloney, heading off to compete at the RYA 29er National Championships in March - they’ll be up against the top quality British 29er fleet where a fleet of 60 plus boats is expected. Collaborative training with the Australian youth representatives is also on the agenda in the lead-up to Cyprus.
After the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships Markus and Jack are continuing on to compete in the 29er Open World Championships on in Arhus, Denmark.
For more on the 29er class in New Zealand visit the class website.
We put a few questions to both Markus and Jack, here’s what they had to say…
Q&A with Markus Somerville, 29er helm:
Name: Markus Somerville
Yacht Club: Wakatere Boating Club
Born: November 1996
Q: List your top three sailing accomplishments?
1st 29er New Zealand National Championships
1st 29er Australian National Championships
19th Optimist World Championships (Markus was a member of the NZ Optimist Worlds Team two years running)
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: I did a weekend camp in the US and wanted to give sailing a proper go two years later when I met 36 Below Racing Skipper Chris Steele and bought his Opti.
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Chocolate Oreos, and Pasta
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Dominican Republic
Q: Who are your role models?
A: Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, and Jimmy Spithill
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: The speed and the competitive fleets
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming year?
A: To medal at the Youth Worlds in Cyprus
Q&A with Jack Simpson, 29er crew:
Name: Jack Simpson
Yacht Club: Wakatere Boating Club
Born: December 1995
Q: List you top three sailing accomplishments?
29er New Zealand National Championships 2013 – 1st
29er Australian National Championships 2013 –1st
Being selected for the 2011 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: Waterwise
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Weetbix
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Wakatere
Q: Who are your role models?
A: Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: It is fast
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming year?
A: Do our best at the Youth World Champs
