Knockouts begin at Harken International Youth Match Racing Champs

Sydney, AUS (November 24, 2017) – After another day of perfect match racing conditions, the round robin has been completed and our top 8 quarter finalists for the 25th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship have been determined. Race Officer Ted Anderson has made the most of the building north easterly breeze to complete the round robin and start the quarter finals ahead of the weekend.

Today’s racing saw a jump in competitor confidence and boat handling skills as teams settle in to the RPAYC’s fleet of Elliott 7’s and breeze patterns typical for sailing on Pittwater, often unpredictable. First placed skipper Leonard Takahashi and his Pacific Racing Team from Japan had a strong round robin with 10 wins and 1 loss. Takahashi’s only loss was to second ranked skipper, Finn Tapper from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia who has finished the round robin on 9 wins and 2 losses.

Close behind Tapper in 3rd place is James Wilson from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Youth Training Program on 8 wins. RNZYS coach Reuben Corbett who is also coaching Takahashi and his Pacific Racing Team, commented “I hope both my teams finish on the podium this year, it’s great to see them on track at the end of the round robin”.

Takahashi noted that he’s feeling confident going into the quarters against chosen skipper Callum Radford from the RPNYC, New Zealand. “We have had some beautiful racing in outstanding conditions. I myself put the team in some sticky situations but my team kept the boat going fast and we were always able to pull the opponent back, so full hats off to the boys for their help. We have a few things to work on, but for now, we’re happy and looking forward to the next few days ahead. Thanks to the RNZYS PP, looking forward to racing and finishing the job off”.

With a similar forecast again for tomorrow it is likely that quarter finals will be completed with time for the semifinals and finals on Sunday (Nov 26). Places 9th to 12th will sail a consolation round robin, carrying points from stage one forward.

Standings after the Round Robin:
1. Takahashi, JAP
2. Tapper, AUS
3. Wilson, NZL
4. Wood, USA
5. Van Beek, NED
6. Radford, NZL
7. Curtiss, USA
8. Killian, USA
9. Lynch, AUS
10. Parker, AUS
11. Quintin, New Cal.
12. Griffin, AUS

Quarter Final Results after Flight 1:
Takahashi V Radford: 1 win to Takahashi
Tapper V Curtiss: 1 win to Tapper
Killian V Wilson: 1 win to Wilson
Van Beek V Wood: 1 win to Van Beek

Event details – Results – Facebook – Photos

The 25th annual HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championships, hosted by The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Sydney, is scheduled from November 23 to November 26, 2017. Twelve teams will be competing for the Rockin’ Robin Perpetual Trophy in the RPAYC’s Elliot 7 performance keelboats, with a crew of four or five, all of whom must be under 23 years of age.

Competitors:

Source: Brendan Rourke, The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club