Line 7 NZ Womens Matchracing - Wellington's Bennett leads after Day 1

by Georgia Witt, RNZYS on 16 Apr 2016 17 year old Zoe Bennett with her crew of Kate Johnson-Lee, Amy Anderson and Paige Cook, sailing for the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club in Wellington, showed their fluency in the windy conditions today, scoring 6 wins and 3 losses after the triple round robin to lead at the end of Stage 1.

Zoe commented “I was happy to hear the windy forecast, we had a great day after we got used to the boat”.

In second place is RNZYS YTP graduate Samantha Norman (nee Osborne) with her crew of Jenna Hansen, Hanna Hielkema and Kate Ellingham, most of whom competed at this regatta together nine years ago. The girls had an impressive day scoring 5 wins and 4 losses. Norman described the day as “lots of fun, lots of learning and heaps of hilarious moments”.

Also sitting on 5 wins and 4 losses is RNZYS YTP skipper Stephanie Kirkman with her crew of Celia Willison, Anna Merchant and Catriona Stanton. The youth team are in third place after losing to Norman in the last round robin today.

Australian Lauren Gallaway with her crew of with Kat Stroinovsky, Rosie Lee and Angelique Kear from CYCA are sitting fourth overall with 2 wins and 7 losses. Lauren commented “we struggled to get used to the Auckland weather but are looking forward to a better day tomorrow.”

Race Officer Guy Pilkington commented “Today was a great way to start, lots of wind and good racing. Looking forward to a great day for the finals tomorrow”.

Line 7 brand manager for Line 7 Danielle was pleased to announce their sponsorship of the event; “The Line 7 Women’s Match Racing Champs are a much loved iconic event and are happy to have the support of a much-loved, iconic brand. Line 7 are here as sponsors of the event because they love getting Kiwi women out on the water. The versatility of their clothing range means everyone is catered for, men and women, professional and non-professional. Give it heaps, ladies.”

Racing is taking place in the RNZYS Youth Training Programme Elliott 7 meter yachts on the Auckland harbour right outside the Squadron, making it easy for spectator RNZYS website, Twitter and Facebook pages will be uploading the latest results & photos as they come to hand, ensuring the best possible coverage for all – even if you are overseas.

Racing begins at 10am on Sunday.