Finals Day on Pittwater! The 30th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship concluded with an exhilarating final day of action in perfect racing conditions. A steady 10-15 knot northeast breeze set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
The day began with intense sail-offs for 5th-8th positions, followed by the continuation of the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals advanced to the finals, while the runners-up competed in a thrilling Petit Final.
Semi-Final Highlights
Semi-Final 1:
James Hayhoe started with a penalty and negative points, increasing the pressure on his team. Facing Ethan Fong, Hayhoe managed a strong comeback in Race 2 after Fong’s initial win. However, Fong’s dominance in Races 3 and 4 secured his place in the finals.
Semi-Final 2:
Daniel Kemp carried a point advantage into the day against Hayden Smith. Ranked 6th in the youth world rankings, Kemp’s resilience shone through as he won three races, earning his spot in the finals.
Petit Final – Hayhoe vs. Smith
In a best-of-three battle, Hayhoe claimed an early lead by winning Race 1. Smith struck back in Race 2, setting up a decider. Despite starting with a penalty in Race 3, Smith executed a masterful maneuver meters from the finish to clear it and take 3rd place overall.
• 3rd Place: Hayden Smith (RNZYS)
• 4th Place: James Hayhoe (RSYS)
The Grand Final – Kemp vs. Fong
The final showdown between Daniel Kemp and Ethan Fong was nothing short of extraordinary. Fong stormed ahead with two consecutive wins, but Kemp, buoyed by home support, turned the tide.
• Race 3: Kemp fought back to claim his first win.
• Race 4: A penalty for Fong left the door open for Kemp to even the series.
The championship came down to a decisive fifth race. Both sailors delivered a masterclass in match racing, with Kemp narrowly edging out Fong at the finish line to clinch the title and the prestigious Rock’n Robin Trophy.
Kemp secured the Championship and in doing so broke a 10yr drought on an RPAYC Team winning the Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship, joining fellow members
- 1992 – Aaron Links
- 1993 – Matt Goulter
- 1996 – James Spithill
- 1998 – James Spithill
- 1999 – Katie Spithill/Pellew
- 2008 – Tommy Spithill
- 2014 – Milly Bennet (all female team)
Acknowledgments
This prestigious event is proudly supported by HARKEN Australia, a longstanding partner of youth sailing. The competition showcased the future stars of the sport and highlighted the incredible skill and sportsmanship of all participants.
Final Placings:
- AUS – Daniel Kemp, Louis Tilly, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity, Isabella Holdsworth
- NZL – Ethan Fong, Sam Scott, Hugo McMullen, Lucas Day, Maddie Rist
- NZL – Hayden Smith, Luca Smith, Robbie Wooldridge, Austin Candlish, Phoebe Buckland
- AUS – James Hayhoe, Jameson Prescott, James Hopkins, Samuel Ezra, Olivia Lee
- AUS – Ben Crafoord, Nick Drummond, Hugo Leeming, Mark Murray, Bridget Conrad
- AUS – Hugo Butterworth, Bayley Taylor, Hayley Fisher, Josh Paulson, Annabelle Sampson
- NZL – Charley Cates, Alex Nielson, James West, Jolly Koska, Ella Arnold
- AUS – Thomas Rees, Lauren Tandy, Raphael McLachlan, Michael King, Harriet McLachlan
Event Details
For the full lineup of teams and umpires, visit: www.intyouthmatchracingchampionship.com.au
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