Competitors in the Musto International Youth Match Racing Regatta experienced a blustery southerly breeze on Sydney Harbour for Day 3, producing epic sailing conditions as teams fought for the final four spots in the Quarter Finals.
With yesterday blown out due to a Gale Warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, and Sydney receiving some 150mm of rain in a three hour period, today's sailing was a welcome return to schedule for the Organising Authority.
In the repechage round, teams battled the 22-28 knot breeze and at times got caught out, with some spectacular broaches and nose dives occurring throughout the day. The biggest one easily going to the Western Australian team who had a team member ejected from an Elliott 7m in a nose dive in Flight 1.
The Race Committee pushed on, completing the 28 race repechage round by mid-afternoon. Finn Tapper from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia leading the way on 6-1.
David Wood from USA finished in second on 5-2, with fellow club member Jeffrey Petersen from Balboa Yacht Club climbing into the Quarter Finals in third and Clare Costanzo squeezing in for the last Quarter Final berth in fourth.
Flight 1 of the Quarter Finals was also completed before teams were sent ashore. Overnight regatta leader, Frankie Dair (USA), chose to race Jeffrey Petersen, setting up an American duel for the semi-finals. Unfortunately their opening Quarter Final race was postponed till tomorrow.
James Hodgson currently leads his Quarter Finals against David Wood, Tom Grimes took his first match against club member Finn Tapper and James Wilson leads Clare Costanzo 1-0.
Follow all the action from the Musto International Youth Match Racing Regatta on CYCA social media with live results here: cyca.com.au/live-results
Jordan Reece
