2016 NSW Secondary Schools Team Racing Championships - Overall report

by Alexandra South on 3 Apr 2016 The 2016 ‘Noakes Group' NSW Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championships drew to a close yesterday, on a light and shifty Rose Bay. Woollahra Sailing Club hosted the three-day competition, where the Race Management fell just short of their 200 race goal – hosting 198 individual flights for the 24 competing teams under the Swiss-League scoring system.

In a dramatic final series, The Scots College team, coached by Harry Price, overcame an early to take the Title from defending Champions, St Ignatius Riverview 1. Both teams can boast high profile sailors, including team captain John Cooley (National Youth and Open 29er Champion) and the Tapper brothers, successful State racers. Whilst Riverview had their own host of strength, with Finn Alexander, Cian Campbell and the Twomey Brothers coached by Xavier Winston-Smith.

The petite-final was won by Ascham 1 who had overcome their sister team, Ascham 2 in the quarter finals to take the title of Girls Champions in 2016. Ascham 1 gave the visiting Canberra Grammar ‘Boys’ team a run for their money, taking out the petite-final with distinction. The Ascham School success story can be attributed to a talented group of hard working girls and a dedicated coach, Jenni Bonnitcha who was elated at the girl’s efforts.

Teams Racing continues to build and support successful youth sailors and is a vehicle in retaining strong numbers in the teenage years – a notorious time for drop outs in sailing. Maintaining passion and competition at this vulnerable age is important and the driving force behind the Championships.

Woollahra Sailing Club would like to extend thanks to the sailors, coaches, managers, teachers and parents for their fantastic spirit of competition throughout the event. The club would also like to extend its gratitude to the dedicated volunteer umpires, race committee (lead by Col Chidgey), mark lay and changeover teams.

Without the assistance of title sponsor, Noakes Group, this year’s event would not have been such a success. Noakes supplied a changeover boat from the historic Rosman Ferry fleet for the duration of the Championships. Having such a well-appointed and maintained changeover vessel allowed sailors to stay dry and warm in-between races – with ample room for the teams plus the convenience of amenities on board. Thank you to Sean Langman and his team for their long-time support of Youth Sailing in NSW.

The 2016 also serves as a nomination regatta for the 2016 Australian Schools Teams Racing Championships. Scots 1 and Riverview 1 automatically qualify to represent New South Wales, when the event takes place in South Australia later this year.

Woollahra Sailing Club is proud to be an ongoing host and supporter of Youth Sailing in NSW, serving as a home base to several High Schools who wish to participate in competitive and recreational sailing. The NSW Schools Secondary Teams Racing Championships is open to any secondary college with a minimum of six sailors and is a perfect entry point for younger sailors and a competitive platform for those following elite pursuits. WSC encourages any schools who are interested to get in contact to see how they can become involved in future events!

Results:

Team	Won	Place
Scots 1	13	1
Riverview 1	12	2
Ascham 1	9	3
Cranbrook 1	9	4
Grammar 1	9	5
Ascham 2	9	6
Redlands	9	7
Scots 2	8	8
Mater Maria	8	9
Scots 3	8	10
Pittwater Red	8	11
St Aloysius	8	12
Knox A	8	13
Cranbrook 2	7	14
Canberra Girls	7	15
Riverview 2	7	16
Brigidine	7	17
Pittwater Blue	6	18
PLC	6	19
Wenona Red	6	20
Knox B	6	21
SBHS	5	22
Wenona Blue	4	23
Grammar 2	1	24