Juliet Costanzo and her Women’s Racing Team from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has produced a flawless day one performance in tricky conditions to lead the John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta, recording four wins from four matches at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

Seven teams from Australia and New Zealand took to the waters of Sydney Harbour for the opening day of the regatta, with the round robin producing a closely contested battle in what was a tricky day for competitors as Sydney experience warmer than usual spring conditions with the westerly breeze trying to fight off the sea breeze throughout the day. This saw big swings in direction with the winds slowly building throughout the day, peaking at 20 knots before a massive 55 knot gust was recorded only an hour after racing had finished.

Costanzo proved the standout performer, remaining undefeated throughout her four matches to finish with a perfect 100 per cent winning record. Costanzo and her team are using this weekend’s regatta as their final preparations for the New York Yacht Club’s Women’s International Championship at the end of this month.

Behind the regatta leader, Isobel Payne (RSYS)  also enjoyed a strong round robin, recording four wins from five matches to finish with an 80 per cent winning record.

Heidi Ferguson (CYCA) and Isabella Holdsworth (RPAYC) each recorded three wins, with Ferguson finishing with a 75 per cent winning record and Holdsworth close behind on 60 per cent. All four teams have now qualified for the semi-finals with only one flight remaining to complete the round robin.

Chelsea Williams (CYCA) claimed two victories from her five matches, while Teaghan Denney (RNZYS) recorded one win during the round robin. Emily Armitstead (CYCA) was unable to register a victory, however the young team from Ascham School improved immensely across the day and will be looking for a stronger performance in the second stage of the regatta.

The John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta brings together some of the country’s emerging female match racing talent, providing an important opportunity for sailors to develop their skills in a competitive match racing environment. The regatta is also the final opportunity for teams competing in next week’s Australian Women’s Match Racing National Championship in Perth, WA.

Follow the CYCA Youth Sailing Academy for more updates and results from the John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta.