Oceania Battle It Out For Nations Cup Spot

In Brisbane, sailors are two Round Robins down on day 1 of the Oceania Qualifier for the ISAF Nations Cup.

The top competitors will be heading into finals on day 2. With New Zealander Chris Steele already assured of a place in the final in the Open Division the real action over the first two days was between the Australian teams to determine rankings before the semi-finals.

Matt Jerwood (AUS) from Western Australia has sailed consistently and clearly leads the pack. The other semi-finalist wasn’t resolved until the end of the series with Klade Hauschildt (Noosa) defeating Malcolm Parker (RPAYC) to gain the upper hand and the remaining semi-final spot. The youth team from Mooloolaba Yacht Club helmed by James Hodgson finished just a point back and sailed well throughout the regatta; including a deserved win against the overall leader Jerwood.

International Umpire David Tallis remarked at how evenly matched the presented boats are; an accurate assessment given the closeness of competition between the three teams vying for that last semi spot.

On the Women’s side of the draw Jovina Choo (SIN) and Milly Bennett (AUS) finished equal on points after the round robin stage of the competition; with RQYS own team helmed by Emily Scott making the semi-finals in third place.

PRO Jeremey Atkinson has had to deal with light breezes but he and the Umpire team led by Roger Wood have managed to stay focused and pushed through the difficulties presented by the weather pattern to complete the scheduled program of round robins. Similarly the competitors have had to deal with plenty of sunshine and the water pump on the changeover boat has worked overtime!