The Bollé Australia Match Cup got underway today at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia with nine teams participating in the new four-day match race event. At a time usually reserved for some of the world’s top youth match racing teams, some of Australia’s top sailors have taken the opportunity to participate in this new open event.

With competitors representing youth sailing programs through to Olympians and America’s Cup champions it will no doubt be an interesting week ahead. The opening day saw wins across the board for all competitors

This week’s format will see competitors split into group sailing, allowing better race management timing and Official availability with so many still affected by restrictions. Over the four-day event, each group will sail a double round robin, before a repechage, quarter finals, semi finals and finals series.

Heading into the opening day and clear favourite to take out the event is Sail Racing skippered by Olympic gold medalist and America’s Cup champion Tom Slingsby. Sail Racing crew continue to impress with Olympian and CYCA Youth Sailing Alumni Will Ryan, America’s Cup sailor and Etchells World Champion Ben Lamb, and Rolex Sydney Hobart Line Honours and SailGP champion Sam Newton completing the line up.

At the close of Day 1, each group completed their respective round robin. Both groups saw extremely close racing resulting in numerous ties. The regatta leader at the end of the day was Steven Thomas’ Lazy Dog (MHYC) who topped his group with 3 from 4 wins. Tied on points but losing the count back to sit in second overall is Harry Price and his DownUnder Racing (CYCA), with Will Sargent’s CYCA sitting in third overall.

Racing will continue tomorrow at 1230hrs in Rushcutters Bay. Competitors will complete their second round robin with live racing at www.cyca.com.au/live-results

 

Overall Results:

1^st          Lazy Dog                          Steve Thomas                  MHYC

2^nd         DownUnder Racing          Harry Price                       CYCA

3^rd         CYCA Racing                    Will Sargent                     CYCA

4^th         Sail Racing                       Tom Slingsby                   GSC

5^th         CYCA Youth                     Cole Tapper                     CYCA

6^th         Team RPAYC                    Cam Whiteside                RPAYC

7^th         Squadron One                 Jed Cruickshank               RSYS

8^th         Squadron Two                 Maddie O’Shea                RSYS

9^th         Team CYCA                     Jack Littlechild                 CYCA