It was the one trophy that had eluded the CYCA’s many successful youth teams over the years but this afternoon, Evan Walker, Kyle Langford, Will Ryan and young Oliver Hartas added a major feather to their caps with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand’s defending champion Adam Minoprio.

Declaring the result his biggest win yet, Walker was ecstatic having beaten a line up “packed with guys we all look up to”, including Minoprio and Torvar Mirsky, who is ranked 10th in the world.  

“This is the biggest win of my career, bigger than any national championship,” a delighted Walker said from the Elliott 6 immediately following their win.

After securing a finals berth yesterday, Walker had to choose an opponent for this morning’s semi final, “the three names were completely stacked…I didn’t know who to pick” he admitted.

He went with seasoned competitor Laurie Jury from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and scored two wins to nil to move into the final against Minoprio.

In a shifty S/SE breeze and on a course set behind Bradley’s Head, Walker won the first two races before dropping the third after a penalty was awarded against him. He sealed victory with a win in the fourth race to deliver the major trophy to the CYCA for the first time.

Proudly looking on was CYCA Youth Sailing Academy coach/manager Jenni Bonnitcha who has separately coached Walker, Ryan and Langford for many years and has seen them achieve numerous podium finishes in their own right.

“This was the only major regatta the CYCA had left to win and for the boys to beat Minoprio and Mirsky is a fantastic feat. It also stands them in good stead to compete in Europe this year”.

Bonnitcha paid tribute to 14 year-old Hartas sailing his first regatta. With his mum watching, the Sabot and Flying 11 sailor, who was on the tweakers for this grade 3 regatta hosted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, summed up their win this afternoon. “It’s terrific. I have the biggest smile on my face.”

Back at the RSYS, a winning Walker and crew soon became a wet crew after being chased and thrown in the Harbour by the other competitors, a tradition of the sport. – Lisa Ratcliff