Evan Walker and his CYCA team took the Australian Open Match Racing title for 2007 at Sandringham Yacht Club despite no racing on the final day.

With winds gusting to 38kts from the NW-W, and predicted to freshen, race officer Kevin Wilson abandoned yesterday’s final day of racing.

Despite the testing conditions over the four day regatta, the race committee managed to complete two full round robins but no finals or semis.

Walker’s team led at the end of the double round robin series having only lost twice, once suffering defeat at the hands of his CYCA training partner Tom Barker, in the second round robin, and losing once to the SYC team skippered by Michah Schwalow in the first round robin.

Kate Spithill (RPAYC) and her team finished second overall and Tom Barker and his CYCA team finished third.

Chief umpire Gary Manuel commented “that in very trying conditions the sailors all competed extremely well. It was a credit to the teams that they were able to keep racing competitively in the very high chop and strong wind conditions.

“All competitors finished the last flight of round robin two with full genoas upwind and spinnakers flying downwind in the gusting 25kt wind, generally gybing with outstanding skill”.

Teamwork was essential in the testing conditions and Walker at presentation last night acknowledged the abilities of the other competitors who pushed his team very hard right up until the end. – Jenni Bonnitcha