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After three attempts at hosting the 2021 NZ Youth Match Racing Nationals with postponements due to covid, the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club was finally able to run the event with nine teams attending from 14-17 April.
Wellington put it all on for the teams - light winds, dolphins - and only one day when it blew over 40 knots.
Top four teams determined after the round robin included Josh Hyde, Robbie McCutcheon, Jon Barnett, and Will Wright. Both Josh and Robbie took out their semis 2-0 against Barnett and Wright respectively - setting up an all Auckland final, and a battle of the Wellington teams for 3rd and 4th. Barnett had the measure of Wright 2-0 taking out 3rd place.
Hyde came out fighting taking the first race of the finals, before McCutcheon sent a gentle reminder that he was the defending Champion. Josh decided to seal the Nationals with wins in races 3 and 4 to take a deserved title back to Auckland and the RNZYS.
The winning team (from left) Zach Fong, Josh Hyde, Cody Coughlan & Jack Manning.
With borders reopening, the next event coming to RPNYC is the 2022 CentrePort Youth International Match Racing Championships.
Spaces in the event are limited. You can find the Notice of Race and EOI here: https://youthyachtingscheme.org.nz/match-racing-regattas/
The event will be held from 25-29 May 2022 in the Elliot 6 sportsboats.
Story// RPNYC Wellington Youth Sailing Trust
