Pittwater Online News

30th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship 2024 on Pittwater: RPAYC's Daniel Kemp, Louis Tilly, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity, Isabella Holdsworth WIN!

Consisting of four days of match racing, youth teams under age 23 compete for the Rockin’ Robin Perpetual Trophy, racing on the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s Elliott 7 keelboats with a crew of four or five. The RPAYC stated it is very pleased to continue a longstanding relationship with HARKEN Australia as the event’s naming rights sponsor.

This year’s championship boasted a stellar line-up of teams, including three  teams from the Royal New Zealand Yacht, with sailors spurred on by recent America's Cup success.

New Zealand’s contingent is particularly strong, featuring returning skippers Ethan Fong and Hayden Smith. Both skippers entered the championship fresh from competing at the 2024 New Zealand Match Racing Championship, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS). Known as New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious match racing regatta, Fong’ and Smith's performance established both as formidable contenders for the Harken title.   

There were 8 teams competing in the 2024 Harken International Youth Championship (Skipper listed first):

1. Daniel Kemp, Louis Tilly, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity, Isabella Holdsworth – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
2. Hayden Smith, Luca Smith, Robbie Wooldridge, Austin Candlish, Phoebe Buckland – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
3. Ethan Fong, Sam Scott, Hugo McMullen, Lucas Day, Maddie Rist – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
4. Ben Crafoord, Nick Drummond, Hugo Leeming, Mark Murray, Bridget Conrad – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
5. Hugo Butterworth, Bayley Taylor, Hayley Fisher, Josh Paulson, Annabelle Sampson – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
6. Charley Cates, Alex Nielson, James West, Jolly Koska, Ella Arnold – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
7. James Hayhoe, Jameson Prescott, James Hopkins, Samuel Ezra, Olivia Lee – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
8. Thomas Rees, Lauren Tandy, Raphael McLachlan, Michael King, Harriet McLachlan – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

Established in 1992, the HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship has grown into a world-renowned international youth event. The event has proven to be a fine training ground for outstanding young sailors who have gone on to sail in the America’s Cup, World Match Racing Tour, Volvo Ocean Race, World Championships and Olympics. It goes without saying the climate, the pristine waterways, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s vision to be at the forefront of Youth Development and the match racing discipline, attracts many of the most talented youth crews from around the world. The event’s popularity is reflected in the demand for places in the team line-ups and in the ever-broadening geographic spread of competing nations. 

The race reports by RPAYC run below.

2024 Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship commnecs on Pittwater: Day 1

Tuesday November 19, 2024

Day 1 of racing on Pittwater was a test of endurance and adaptability. The skies hung heavy with overcast clouds, and the wind refused to settle, shifting unpredictably across the course. For both the competitors and the race committee, it was a day that demanded constant vigilance and quick thinking.

The best teams rose to the challenge, showing not just skill but an unyielding focus. They read the water and the wind like a book, their sails adjusting to the tiniest shifts, their eyes fixed not just on the conditions but on their rivals. Each race was a battle of wits as much as speed, as teams fought to stay ahead in a constantly changing game.

By the end of the day, it was clear: the teams that succeeded weren’t just those with the fastest boats, but those who kept their heads in the chaos, turning adversity into opportunity. The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting series ahead.

Kemp, Smith and Hayhoe finished the day on top of the Round Robin 1 which will be completed tomorrow followed by Round Robin 2.

An Amendment to the Schedule will see racing commence not before 1100hrs for Day 2. Stay tuned fore more action and fantastic footage.

Meet Ted Anderson Principal Race Officer

Ted Anderson has been the Race officer for the Harken Int. Youth Match Racing Championship for 25yrs. He has had the pleasure of seeing youth sailors come from various club’s youth development programs to compete on Pittwater in the regatta and watch their progression into the world sailing stage with performances in SailGP Teams, World Championships, Amercia Cup Challenges and careers within the sailing industry. 

Glamorous conditions on Pittwater for Day 2 of the Harken Int. Youth Match Racing Championship

Wednesday November 20, 2024

Pittwater provided some glamour conditions for Day 2 of the 30th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship!

Today’s racing saw sailors finish Round Robin 1 and kick off Round Robin 2 before racing concluded at Flight 11. At times, racing was at arm’s length with the close formation as competitors danced their way up the course and filled their spinnakers with a perfect 10-14knt ‘n’easterly behind them.

From RR1, the best two scoring Skippers going into RR2 are, James HAYHOE (RSYS) at 100% and Daniel KEMP (RPAYC) at 86%.

The skill of these sailors is amazing, manoeuvring themselves and the boats in close quarters to gain the upper hand at the blink of an eye. Leaders again swapped numerous times over each race, consistency is the key to crossing the line first. 

Day 2 results will be published tomorrow morning.

Flight 12 is where it all starts tomorrow with the first warning signal at 1100hrs.

All results available at: www.matchracingresults.com/2024/harken-international-youth-championship

Day 3 – Teams Pushing the Limits

Thursday November 21, 2024

The 30th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship, hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in Pittwater, Australia, continues to deliver thrilling competition as Day 3 concluded with action-packed racing and standout performances from youth teams representing Australia and New Zealand.

Today’s conditions were near-perfect for sailing, with a steady 10-15 knot breeze from the east-northeast that enabled the race committee to efficiently complete Round Robin 2 by midday. Sailors pushed themselves and their boats to the limit, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy to gain every possible edge in the highly competitive fleet.

By the end of Round Robin 2, the championship standings showed James Hayhoe at the top of the leaderboard, followed closely by Daniel Kemp, Hayden Smith, and Ethan Fong, who rounded out the top four positions. The remaining top eight positions were secured by Hugo Butterworth, Ben Crafoord, Charley Cates, and Thomas Rees, respectively. The day’s consistent conditions and high-calibre performances kept spectators on edge, setting the stage for an exciting final phase of the competition.

The semi-finals commenced mid-afternoon, featuring the top four competitors. In closely contested matchups, Fong and Kemp emerged victorious in their respective best-of-5 races. The winners will move up into the highly anticipated finals tomorrow.

As the racing concluded for the day with the display of AP over A, signalling no further races, all eyes turned to the upcoming AUS vs NZL battles in tomorrow’s finals. The trans-Tasman rivalry promises to deliver an electrifying finale to this prestigious youth sailing championship.

This event is proudly supported by HARKEN Australia, a long-time partner and advocate of youth sailing, and continues to showcase the rising stars of the sport.

Stay tuned for Day 4 as the 30th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship reaches its thrilling conclusion!

Day 4 – Nail Biting Finals

Friday November 22, 2024

The Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship concluded with an exhilarating final day of action in perfect racing conditions. A steady 10-15 knot northeast breeze set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

The day began with intense sail-offs for 5th-8th positions, followed by the continuation of the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals advanced to the finals, while the runners-up competed in a thrilling Petit Final.

Semi-Final Highlights

Semi-Final 1:

James Hayhoe started with a penalty and negative points, increasing the pressure on his team. Facing Ethan Fong, Hayhoe managed a strong comeback in Race 2 after Fong’s initial win. However, Fong’s dominance in Races 3 and 4 secured his place in the finals.

Semi-Final 2:

Daniel Kemp carried a point advantage into the day against Hayden Smith. Ranked 6th in the youth world rankings, Kemp’s resilience shone through as he won three races, earning his spot in the finals.

Petit Final – Hayhoe vs. Smith

In a best-of-three battle, Hayhoe claimed an early lead by winning Race 1. Smith struck back in Race 2, setting up a decider. Despite starting with a penalty in Race 3, Smith executed a masterful maneuver meters from the finish to clear it and take 3rd place overall.

• 3rd Place: Hayden Smith (RNZYS)

• 4th Place: James Hayhoe (RSYS)

The Grand Final – Kemp vs. Fong

The final showdown between Daniel Kemp and Ethan Fong was nothing short of extraordinary. Fong stormed ahead with two consecutive wins, but Kemp, buoyed by home support, turned the tide.

• Race 3: Kemp fought back to claim his first win.

• Race 4: A penalty for Fong left the door open for Kemp to even the series.

The championship came down to a decisive fifth race. Both sailors delivered a masterclass in match racing, with Kemp narrowly edging out Fong at the finish line to clinch the title and the prestigious Rock’n Robin Trophy.

Acknowledgments

This prestigious event is proudly supported by HARKEN Australia, a longstanding partner of youth sailing. The competition showcased the future stars of the sport and highlighted the incredible skill and sportsmanship of all participants.

Grant Pellew,  MD Harken Australia

Final Placings:

1. AUS – Daniel Kemp, Louis Tilly, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity, Isabella Holdsworth

2. NZL – Ethan Fong, Sam Scott, Hugo McMullen, Lucas Day, Maddie Rist

3. NZL – Hayden Smith, Luca Smith, Robbie Wooldridge, Austin Candlish, Phoebe Buckland

4. AUS – James Hayhoe, Jameson Prescott, James Hopkins, Samuel Ezra, Olivia Lee

5. AUS – Ben Crafoord, Nick Drummond, Hugo Leeming, Mark Murray, Bridget Conrad

6. AUS – Hugo Butterworth, Bayley Taylor, Hayley Fisher, Josh Paulson, Annabelle Sampson

7. NZL – Charley Cates, Alex Nielson, James West, Jolly Koska, Ella Arnold

8. AUS – Thomas Rees, Lauren Tandy, Raphael McLachlan, Michael King, Harriet McLachlan

This event showcased the future of Match Racing and we can't wait to watch all these sailors for years to come.

Thank you to all the race management team, volunteers and umpires for making this week possible. 

That's a wrap on the 2024 Harken International Youth Championships, see you all next year!

RESULTS: https://bit.ly/3ABCq8h

For detailed results and updates, visit the official event page: www.intyouthmatchracingchampionship.com

RPAYC Commodore Robert McClelland with volunteers who made the 2024 Harken Youth Match Racing Championship a success

Photos; Harry Fisher for Down Under Sail and Tidal Media Australia for Down Under Sail - Video: RPAYC