Bavaria Yachts Int'l Match Racing Championship

11:25 AM Fri 28 Nov 2008 GMT

'RNZYS and CYCA team cross in final. Bavaria International Youth Match Racing Championship 2008' Andrea Francolini &copy Click Here to view large photo

With only semi finals to complete today, the two teams from Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron took on the Australian women's teams from Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and CYCA/Aust Sailing & Development Squad.

The conditions were perfect for match racing with a 15 knot north easterly and although shifting slightly the course did not require any changes during the racing.

Finishing in first place at the end of Stage 2 of the championship, gave Will Tiller (RNZYS) the choice of competitors for the semi finals and choosing Lucinda Whitty (RSYS) left James Williamson (RNZYS) to sail off against Amanda Scrivenor (CYCA/AS&DS).

In each match in flight 1 both Scrivenor and Whitty came off the start line with a slight advantage. In the first match, Scrivenor lead Williamson in from deep and maintained the lead in a tight tacking duel to the top mark. Scrivenor maintained the lead around each mark and took the match by 10 seconds. The next match between Tiller and Whitty saw the close tussle continue when approaching the top mark, the port tack boat (Tiller) was keeping clear and sailing to pass astern of the other boat. Tiller took evasive action to keep clear and there was contact with the rigs with Whitty receiving a penalty for the contact. At the top mark, Whitty rounded clear ahead and Tiller attempted to pass to windward, Whitty luffed but Tiller was clear ahead, both boats bore away to normal course then Whitty re-established the overlap and luffed above proper course, incurring a second penalty which had to be taken immediately. Tiller went on to win the race by 35 seconds.

In flight 2 Williamson started with the advantage and in another up wind tacking duel rounded the top mark ahead of Scrivenor. The boats were within a boat length of each other at the bottom mark and Williamson sailed Scrivenor well to the right hand side of the course before the tacking duel continued upwind. Scrivenor gained the upper hand and lead Williamson around the mark and proceeded to maintain the lead to the finish with a five second margin. Tiller started well in the second match against Whitty leading around the course and taking the match by 17 seconds.

The Chief Umpire, Phil Mostyn commented 'racing was more aggressive today in both matches. The conditions were excellent for match racing today and we are looking forward to finals tomorrow'.

Tomorrows finals will start at 11.15 when Whitty will take on Williamson to sail of for third and fourth position whilst Scrivenor and Tiller fight for first and second place.

by Jennifer Crooks

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