Day 1 of Nations Cup Qualifier - AUS and NZL

by RNZYS Media on 26 Sep 2008
After a morning practice session comprising a mixed round-robin at the request of the competitors, racing got underway at 1.30 this afternoon in absolutely sparkling conditions but with a shifty light south-westerly breeze that ranged from 8 – 13 knots. Racing was made challenging for sailors and the race management personnel alike.

The format for this event is direct to finals with the first to win seven races declared the winner of the Regional Finals and then going on from here to the Grand Finals of the Nations Cup in Brazil next March.

The Australians have sent two very strong teams and this was reflected in the results from today’s matches.

Katie Spithill’s Australian Women’s team lead New Zealand’s Jessica Smyth 4 – 0, however competition couldn’t be closer in the Open Division with Evan Walker’ Australian team going out to 2 – 0 before the Kiwi’s came back and won the next two races to level the score.

Racing continues tomorrow Saturday, scheduled to start at 10.00 am

NEW ZEALAND

Women's Team:
Jessica Smyth
Raynor Smeal
Anna de Fluiter
Amy Mulcahy

Open Division

Adrian Short
Scott Burling
Peter Burling

AUSTRALIA

Women's Team

Katie Spithall
Nina Curtis,
Jessica Eastwell
Amanda Scrivenor

Open Division

Evan Walker
Will Ryan
Edward Hackney