Wellington Spirit finish 2nd at NZ Match Racing Nationals

Jono Clough (Bow), Daryl Wislang (Pit), Josh Junior (Helm), Chris Jones (Trim) and Matthew Steven (Skipper/Main)

After four days of tight racing on Waitemata Harbour Wellington Spirit have emerged in second place at New Zealand National Match Racing Champinships. On the final day, with 20 to 25 knots south west blowing in the morning, The Spirit team was keen to get out on the water to convince the race committee that it was sailable.

"We were the first to leave the marina as soon as we had rigged, however the mark boat came out an told us to hold as they were recording 28 knots. We waited for a little while at the entrance of the marina. The breeze moderated a little so we decided to head out and hoist the sails" explained Spirit helmsman Josh Junior. Soon after the rest of the fleet followed!

Again the Spirit struggled to get off the line even or ahead but the windy shifty conditions suited them and they managed to take the lead in all races of the day at some point after the start. A few small mistakes stopped the team from taking full advantage of their leads as Phil Robertson and his crew, who sailed very well, would immediately capitalise on any errors. The final score was 3 - 1 putting the Spirit in second place overall this year.

"We are happy with our continued improvement and look forward to taking what we learnt from this regatta into our next events. Congratulations to Phil Robertson and the Waka Racing team for their deserved win" commented Wellington Spirit skipper Matthew Steven after racing.

Next up for the Wellington Spirit Match Racing Team is the Collin Mullins and Warren Jones Regatta's in Perth in January, meanwhile Matthew Steven will be sailing with Reuben Corbett at the Australia Cup in Perth next week and Josh Junior is off to Sydney International Regatta and Sail Melbourne with the New Zealand Sailing Team in the Laser class.