Racing kicks off tomorrow with 12 teams from Australia, New Zealand, USA and the Netherlands who are competing for the $2000 prize purse along with the Rockin’ Robin Perpetual Trophy.
George Anyon from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is looking to the top of the podium after three HARKEN events as skipper. Anyon will start outright favourite for the event with the highest ISAF ranking amongst the skippers following a consistent year on the podium at various youth match racing events.
However, he will face tough competition from the other 11 teams including a separate brother and sister team from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. Malcolm Parker will skipper one team and the other will be skippered by sister, Sarah Parker.
Club coach, Tom Spithill tips that the sibling rivalry will bring out the best in them.
“It’s like with anything, siblings always want to be better than one another. Sarah’s been progressing really well leading up to the HARKEN and Malcolm, well he’s got more experience. It’s going to be a great showdown when they are up against each other.” Said Tom.
For the first time ever a team from Darwin Sailing Club will be competing for the Rockin’ Robin Trophy. John Lynch, Darwin’s skipper has never competed in an international match racing event.
“I’m really excited to get out racing with the team, back in Darwin we haven’t really practise in anything like the Elliott 7s but we’ve been lucky enough to get out sailing in Pittwater with some of the club racing.” Said John.
Other teams competing are Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club (NZ), Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (WA), Dutch Federation Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Balboa Yacht Club (USA.)
The forecast for the first day of racing is looking like a classic spring day in Sydney with light winds in the morning and a strengthening sea breeze in the afternoon.
To stay tuned to all the race results visit:
To follow the race visit
· www.intyouthmatchracingchampionship.com.au
· Facebook @harkenyouthmatchracing
· Twitter @Matchracing
· Instagram @rpayc
