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Malcolm Parker followed in Jimmy Spithill's footsteps, winning the Nespresso Youth International Match Racing Cup and taking the trophy back to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for the first time since Spithill's win in 1999.
Parker won Sunday's final 3-1 over fellow Australian Will Boulden (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club). Will Eastman (Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club) beat Matt Hughes (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron) in the petit final 2-0 to claim third.
The final day of the 2017 Nespresso Youth Match Racing Cup hoisted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron saw lead changes, upsets and the pressure got to some more than others.
Boulden, as top qualifier, picked Eastman in the semifinals and, although Eastman took the first match after winning the prestart, Boulden won the following three matches to earn his place in the final.
Hughes won everty start against Parker in their semifinal but Parker sailed well around the track to win 3-0.
Hughes also took an early lead in the petit final but trouble with his gennaker allowed Eastman to sneak through and Eastman won 2-0.
The final saw some tight racing. Boulden took the first race but Parker won the next three to claim the title.
“He definitely had his skates on in those final two races,” Boulden said.
Parker acknowledged his crew. “It was a tough final day," he said. "Thanks to all my crew for getting me out of a few tricky situations.”
The regatta was hit by some challenging weather, with some light winds and rain, prompting race officer Colin Lucas to say it “was a tough regatta to run".
Chief umpire Ben Fels was also “extremely pleased with the week. It was a great regatta, lots of tight racing. Some of these teams have a lot of potential and I’m very excited to see them at future events.”
Thanks to all the sponsors: Nespresso, Yachting Developments, Gurit, Bensemann Marine and Store Pro.
Overall Placings
Malcolm Parker (RPAYC)
William Boulden (RFBYC)
Will Eastman (RPNYC)
Matthew Hughes (RNZYS)
Tom Picot (CNC)
Frankie Dair (KKCC)
Tom Grimes (CYCA)
Nick Rozenauers (RSYS)
Celia Willison (RNZYS)
Sarah Parker (RPAYC)
James Jennings (RNZYS)
Zoe Bennett (RPNYC)
Henry Wilson (MBYC/WBHS)
