RNZYS wins 38th Trans-Tasman Challenge

14 May 2012, By Rear Commodore Andy Anderson “Scores levelled at 19 each”…after 38 years

The 38th Trans Tasman regatta between Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and RNZYS was this year hosted by RSYS, Kiribilli in their Sesquicentennial year. RNZYS was able to win away from home and level the score for the number of times each club has won the cup at 19 all. 

The event is to encourage closer communications between our respective clubs and this year saw the participation of each clubs Flags and selected general committee members along with a youth team from each club. Our team consisted of Commodore Ross Masters, Rear Andy Anderson, House Steve Mair, GC Ian Cook and Matthew Flynn with Youth team Jamie Dawson, Benny Butcher and Francisco Lardies. In support was Vice Steve Burrett on the Committee boat.

The three day event started with a very enjoyable and welcoming cocktails followed by dinner on Thursday night among familiar faces. Friday saw a briefing for club on club in E6’s- (one youth plus 2 other RNZYS members per boat). 3 races in patchy and variable conditions saw the day end results with NZ ahead by 15 points which was a respectable lead that had Australia concerned.

Ian Cook took 2 guns for best skipper

Ian Cook took 2 guns for best skipper that day.

Saturday and Sunday were sailed in Etchells while the youth reverted back to their own crew in the E6’s. Saturday saw gusty across harbour conditions with reported winds gusting to 28 Knots. Between this and the local ferries there was plenty to keep an eye on during the afternoon of 3 races. Ian Cook took a gun in the second race as did Andy in the last race. The teams racing had New Zealand win the days 3 races putting us 99-143 ahead. The conditions had plenty of excitement with 2 people overboard, torn kites and general boat handling challenged in the tight friendly racing. Everyone was happy to take a break back in the bar post racing just as the wind started to ease.

Sunday was advised as a dying breeze so we set out earlier than planned to complete the last 2 races in light and variable conditions again but this time our fleet had the CYC fleet of over 100 yachts of all sizes deciding to place their top mark within meters of our top mark. This made for some interesting tactical decisions. The first race saw Steve and Andy battle for first with Andy taking line by a nose. The last race was shortened by a leg which allowed Andy to secure his second win of the day from a fast approaching Ian Cook.

RSYS took the points in race 7 by 3 but overall RNZYS ended with a reasonable margin of 47 points.

Prize giving acknowledged the “incidents” of the friendly regatta as a very full moon rose in our view across the harbour from the dining room at RSYS. A fabulous buffet was provided for our enjoyment. Jamie Dawson accepted the Youth trophy on behalf of their team to now keep it for the first successive year since it being awarded. Andy accepted on behalf of the RNZYS team from Commodore Levy and thanked all participants, crew and boat owners for their contribution over the Regatta. Richard Chapman of Sydney was best skipper of the regatta winning a bottle of wine. The great opportunity of the regatta was the opportunity for all Flags to share our thoughts on our respective clubs. Next year we are back to hosting RSYS in Auckland.