The sailors racing in the 2009 Australian School Team Racing Championships had a massive session on the water for Day 3 of the regatta which is currently being hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.
Dominating the regatta with 14 wins from 16 races is defending champions The Hutchins School who have travelled from Tasmania for the Queensland hosted event.
Christ Church Grammar School (WA) has charged back into second place and now sit just ahead of the Anglican Church Grammar School (QLD) who are in third. Both teams have ten wins from the 16 races they have sailed.
But the competition is still open with five teams sitting on nine wins.
Guildford / St Virgil's (TAS), Rossmoyne (WA), Shenton College (WA), St Jospeh's (SA) and Cranbrook (NSW) all have a chance of moving up the ladder on the final day of racing which is scheduled for today.
Oliver Nicholas, Team Captain of Guildford / St Virgil's College (TAS) says his team is looking forward to racing The Hutchins School today.
“Our main goal is to beat Hutchins. We have to be focused. Our whole regatta basically comes down to us beating them,” said Nicholas.
Rossmyone Senior High School (WA) Team Captain Matt Jerwood was eager to hit the water this morning for racing.
“We have to get good starts today. Our plan is to consolidate what we have practiced. There is nowhere to hide now as we are racing against the top teams. We are looking forward to qualifying for the finals if it goes our way!” said Jerwood.
Shenton College (WA) Team Captain Chris Smith said that his team was new to the Swiss League scoring format.
“It's tough to keep racing the top teams, but it's definitely making us improve with every race. We just have to minimise the small mistakes and if we do that then we have a great chance of being in the top five,” said Smith.
Luke Stephens who was appointed Team Captain for St Joseph's (SA) said that his team had a hard time on Day 3.
“We lost some races that we really should have won, but it was great to race against the top teams in the country. We just have to keep it together on the final day to maintain a top five place,” said Stephens.
Cranbrook School (NSW) Team Captain Jeronimo Harrison said his team were hoping for a few wins in the final day of racing's morning session.
“If we make it to the finals then we have a tough time ahead. These teams are awesome, and if you miss one thing, you our out of the running,” said Harrison.
Chief Umpire John Middleton (VIC) stated that he was “extremely impressed with teams rules knowledge and sailing skills”.
“It was really a huge day on the water yesterday and everyone showcased some top class team racing. It was great t see,” said Middleton.
Racing is continuing on Waterloo Bay today with the final rounds wrapping up the regatta this afternoon. The presentation of trophies will be conducted in the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Flags Function Room from 1800 hours this evening where the 2009 Australian School Team Racing Champions will be announced.
For more visit – http://www.rqys.com.au/index.php/department/team-racing/
