Early upsets in Harken Women’s International
by Lisa Ratcliff on 10 Mar 2006
Sydney at its best - Nicky Souter’s team, finished equal first after Day 1 of the 2006 Harken Women’s International Luca Villata
Day 1 of the Harken Women’s International Match Racing Regatta delivered a number of early upsets with defending champion Katie Spithill and the highest ranked French team taking a while to find their groove.
But as Sydney Harbour sparkled and the north easterly sea breeze freshened to 18 knots, Spithill and her new crew combination found form to finish the day equal first with fellow Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club skipper Nicky Souter and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron team led by Jess Smyth.
In a remarkably close opening day, three teams, including the French team skippered by the 12th ranked Christelle Philippe, also finished on equal points to share second place.
'It is a great credit to the two Australian teams and the New Zealand team to have an early edge over the French team,' said chief umpire Phil Mostyn tonight.
'The French started tentatively but became more aggressive as the day progressed and the pressure increased. As they settle into their new surroundings over the coming days, they are going prove worthy competitors,' he added.
A surprise win in Flight 6 over Souter, ranked 16 in the world, by the Royal Perth Yacht Club team skippered by Jessica Eastwell was later overshadowed when bow person Rosemaree Ashford was struck on the head by the boom of the Elliott 6.
Ashford was taken to hospital for observation and is unlikely to join her team mates for the remainder of the four-day ISAF Grade 3 regatta. It is hoped a replacement can be found and the Royal Perth team can remain in the competition.
The third Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club team headed up by Nina Curtis also had a surprise win today with Curtis beating her training partner Katie Spithill for the first time. Curtis finished Day 1 on par with the French team and the CYCA’s team, led by Sam Boyd, in second place.
A 15-20 knot south sou’easter is forecast for tomorrow, Day 2 of the Harken Women’s International Match Racing Regatta.
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