By Sarah Imlay, RSYS Media
The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron will once again host the historic four-day Hardy Cup Match Racing Regatta on Kirribilli’s stunning foreshore. Official racing will begin directly in front of the Squadron 1020hrs Monday 8 February. The regatta will conclude Thursday 11 February with results and prize-giving to follow.
For the first time, the regatta will be open to sailors of all ages racing Elliott 7s sports boats, with seven youth racing teams competing for the Hardy Cup, while three open category teams will compete against youth sailors for the Hardy Shield.
Due to international border restrictions, overseas teams will not compete this year, leaving only Australia-based sailors to contend for the two famous trophies.
Sir James Hardy OBE, America’s Cup winner, Olympic yachtsman and patron of the annual event, founded the regatta for youth sailors to develop and refine their tactical racing skills. He will once again attend the event, supporting the sailors.
Previous Hardy Cup champion skippers Ashlen Rooklyn and David Chapman will be amongst the competitors.
Chapman commented, “I’m looking forward to being out on the water and match racing against the up-and-coming sailors.”
RSYS Club Captain and three-time Olympian Karyn Gojnich said, “After a difficult 12 months due to COVID, we are thrilled to be able to host the Hardy Cup. While we will be without international competition, broadening our entry criteria provides a great opportunity for our young sailors to compete against some of Australia’s champions. We look forward to welcoming teams from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Vaucluse Amateur 12ft Sailing Club and Middle Harbour 16ft Skiff Club.”
A team of internationally and nationally accredited umpires led by Erica Kirby and Rob Armstrong will keep an eye on next week’s racing. Ian Kingsford Smith and Rob Ridley are the Race Officials.
From the CYCA:
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia will be represented by two youth teams with Finn Tapper and Will Sargent as skippers. The CYCA generously supports the Hardy Cup each year by loaning the Club’s fleet of Elliott 7m yachts
