New Zealand Womens crews Aussie Matchracing Nats - Day 3

9:53 PM Wed 2 Sep 2009 GMT

'Nicky Souter (RPAYC-ASDS) vs Stephanie Hazard, representing RNZYS during flight five of Day Two - compasscard Australian Women's Match Racing Championship' CYCA Staff

Two New Zealand Womens teams are competing at the Australian Women's Match Racing Nationals: Stephanie Hazard - Helm, Susannah Pyatt - Main, Miranda Powrie - Bow; and Samantha Osborne - Helm, Jenna Hansen - Main, Raynor Smeal - Bow in the second crew.

They filed the following reports on Day 3's racing:

Aussie Nationals Day 3

Today the final two round robin races and then the 5th-10th sail offs were raced in light 5-10knot sea breezes.

Sam, Jenna and Ray won their final two round robin races. They now proceed to the finals having qualified in 2nd place. They are anticipating a good days racing tomorrow. They are yet to find out who they will race in the semi finals.

Steph, Susannah and Miranda also won their final two races to place 2nd in the second round robin, which they were very happy with, unfortunately due to the poor result from the first round robin they narrowly missed out on the semi finals. They raced off for 5th and 6th with Amanda Scrivner (a member of the Aussie Squad who has recently return from a European campaign).

There was never a lead of more than two boat length either way in the nail-biting sail off, in which all three races were used. The NZ girls took the first race start to finish, not to say it wasn't close. The Aussies just snatched the second race where the lead changed numerous times. In the final race the Aussies lead most of the final lap, however the kiwis kept it close and were able to sneak though after a intense down wind of gybing duels and luffs.

So its 5th place for the newly formed team who now look forward to building on this next week in the USA. They are pleased with what the have achieved in such a short period of time, It is very promising to be this competitive with the Aussies who we consider to be the best in the world right now.

Looking forward to finals tomorrow. Go the NZ girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Susannah Pyatt