NZ Optimist North Americans Team - Three Kiwis in top half of Gold

by Bob McCutcheon on 27 Jul 2015 The Optimist North Americans (NAM's) recently completed in Antigua proved very successful for a young, inexperienced Kiwi team.

The team of six included three sailors for whom this was their first overseas regatta, so their final placing of three in Gold Fleet, two in Silver and one in Bronze is a good indication of how well the implementation of the NZ Squad Training has worked over the kiwi winter.

This year NZ were invited to send six sailors, instead of the usual 4, with a nice split of two each from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Team consisted of Robbie McCutcheon (Wakatere Boating Club), Josh Berry (Murray's Bay), Albert Stanley (Worser Bay), Will Wright (Worser Bay). Zac Scheiwe (Charteris Bay) and Harry Corston (Charteris Bay). For sailor's profiles: click here

Antigua is well known for Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Week, all sailed in large keelboats, and the consistent trade winds and big seas. So it was a spectacular sight to see over 160 Optimists out in the ocean off English Harbour coping with the 15-25kt winds. The NAM's is different to other major regattas in that countries can send their Worlds Team to this event, which many of the top countries did, including USA, BRA, ARG and the powerhouse SIN.

With the furthest distance to travel, some of the NZ Team arrived one week before the start of the competition, and along with coach Luke Stevenson, started to build knowledge of the conditions and the currents that swept over the race-course. Other members chose to acclimatise on the east coast of the U.S. before arriving in Antigua ready to race. It's fair to say that the boys enjoyed the conditions, with all the smiles and quotes of 'best sailing ever'.

Coach Luke had the boys out every day, with drills and practice races with other countries, and determined that our boys were on the pace and handling the conditions well.

Day 1 came around quickly, but not before the colourful Caribbean Opening Ceremony which had all the kids on the stage and dancing to the SOCA beat. As is customary, the kiwi team performed a Haka on stage, which was well received by the large crowd. The wind was a bit lighter than the previous week, with only 10-15kts, which suited some kids and not others. Robbie and Zac had consistent results in the first 3 races of the Qualifying Series, placing them in 13th and 15th overnight.

Day 2 had similar conditions to Day 1, with 3 more races sailed. The kiwis had a difficult day, not figuring out the racecourse very well with the breeze a little bit further round and coming off the cliffs. The leaderboard has an ISV sailor in 1st, followed by SIN, CHI and local hopeful Rocco Falcone (brother of Shannon) in 4th. Robbie in 14th, Zac 28th, Josh 43rd, Harry 68th, Will 85th and Albert struggling in the light winds in 110th.

Day 3 saw the kids sail round the coast from English Harbour to Falmouth Harbour for Teams Racing. Our boys did well, winning 2 races, before being dispatched by ARG and eventual winners of the Nations Cup, SIN. On the North American Course, Team USA 1 were the winners. The following day was a Lay Day, which the Team used to go swim with the stingrays at Stingray City. A great time was had by both parents and kids.

Day 4, and the last day of the Qualifying Series, and 2 races sailed which meant for a very early finish at 1.30pm. It was windier today, back in the 20kts range and very welcome for the kiwis. Zac had the best day, with a 4th and a 6th, to lie 21st overall, and Robbie back to 23rd. Teddy Nicolosi (ISV) still leads with 2 races to go in the Championship. In the evening the NZ Team won the 'Spirit of your Team' competition by teaching the assembled crowd the Haka.

Day 5 was the windiest of the week with 20-25kts. Albert took advantage of that to post a 1st and a 3rd, unfortunately he was adjudged to be over the line early and missed out on winning Bronze Fleet, finishing 4th. Another Black Flag was issued to Harry, which saw him finish in 12th in Silver Fleet, with Will back in 18th. Great results for these first-timers. Josh had his best day of the competition to post an 11th and 14th to finish 27th in Gold Fleet, Zac was solid with a 19th and 40th in the very competitive field, finishing 25th overall, and Robbie posted a great 4th in the final race, as well as a 21st, to finish 19th overall. So 3 kiwis in the top half of Gold Fleet, an excellent result...

Podium places as follows:

• 1st overall: Yi Nian Koh (SIN)
• 2nd overall: Teddy Nicolosi (ISV)
• 3rd overall: Massimo Contessi (ARG)
• 1st North American: Teddy Nicolosi (ISV)
• 2nd North American: Rocco Falcone (ANT)
• 3rd North American: Emma Cowles (USA)
• 1st girl: Emma Cowles (USA)

Prizegiving followed the boat pack-up, and was again a colourful, fun evening. It's fair to say that everyone, kids and parents, had a great time meeting new friends, enjoying the warm winds and water. Thanks must go to Team Manager Belinda Stanley, Coach Luke Stevenson, The Antigua Yacht Club Resort, the Antigua Yacht Club and Matias Cappazano for the fantastic photos.