O'pen BIC champ returns from Bermuda to defend NZ title
by Colin Smith, Royal Gazette 6 Jan 2018 04:40 PST
7 January 2018
O'Pen BIC's competing in Bermuda between races in the 35th America's Cup © Margi Foster
Promising Bermudian sailor Ahzai Smith will make the long trek to New Zealand next month to defend his title at the O’pen Bic National Championships.
“Ahzai Smith is going back to New Zealand to compete in the Nationals,” confirmed Alejandra Mato, personal assistant of Sir Russell Coutts, the chief executive of the America’s Cup Event Authority for the 35th America’s Cup.
The Warwick Academy student underlined his potential after winning this year’s championship in January.
He was one of two local youngsters achieving success at the event, as compatriot Christopher Raymond topped the silver fleet.
The pair are products of the America’s Cup Endeavour Programme and were chosen for the trip because of their attendance record and impressive performances at the Bermuda National Sailing Championships.
Smith topped the championship fleet while Mount Saint Agnes student Raymond was the top performer in the green fleet.
Smith has been sailing since he was 8 and has been invited back to defend his title by Coutts, the five-times America’s Cup winner.
Blessed with sporting genes as the grandson of Erskine “Choe” Smith, the former Devonshire Rec fast bowler and Devonshire Colts midfielder, and former Warwick off spinner Robert Trew, the youngster has lofty ambitions in the sport.
“I would like to compete in the America’s Cup and to represent Bermuda at the Olympics,” Smith told The Royal Gazette upon his return from New Zealand in January.
The O’pen Bic National Championships will be held from January 18 to 20 and are being organised by the Wakatipu Yacht Club in conjunction with the New Zealand O’pen Bic Association.