Final Report NAM’s
The good breeze continued for the final two days of competition and Race Management got in all the scheduled 12 races.
The intensity of the racing never let up and generally the team just not getting good enough starts to be able to sail their own races. They never stopped trying as a few OCS’s showed, but they all learnt that what is good enough in New Zealand is not good enough internationally with a fleet of this standard. The USA team in particular was very strong and all the sailors relished the stronger breezes.
The final places out of a fleet of 202 were:
Trent Rippey, Tauranga 45th, Nick Egnot Johnson, Murrays Bay 52nd, Michael Hayton, Napier 84thand Eliza Wilkinson, Kohimarama 109th.
It was good for the regatta to finish with the Team getting on the podium to receive their medals and plaques after the great result of 2nd in the Teams Racing. The excitement, pride and drama of that day will long be remembered by the sailors, coach and supporters.
In the usual exchange of uniforms etc after prize giving the Kiwi team as always found their gear highly sort after and some great trades were carried out.
There was a lot of interest at the event regarding the Worlds in Napier in 2011 with many of those hoping to make their national teams thinking of extending their visits to New Zealand.
All in the small group of 8 from New Zealand thoroughly enjoyed this regatta and in particular the sailors and parents would like to thank their coach Riley Dean for the huge effort he put in and his never ending enthusiasm.
From Pete and the team.