RPAYC wins the Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship
The Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship was incorporated into the CYCA’s John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta, held from 11th to 13th October in near perfect conditions on Sydney Harbour.
From the onset, Juliet Costanzo, Clare Costanzo, Evelyn Foster, Jemma Hodgson & Sarah Parker were pre-regatta favourites, having all claimed an Australian Women’s and John Messenger Regatta titles in the past. The team which represents the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club have led since Day 1 on Friday, however in the Finals, a newcomer to helming, Jade Gavin from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron stamped her intentions for producing an upset.
She took the first two races from Costanzo in a dominant display of boat speed and tactics. The writing looked almost set on the wall for a huge upset, but the experience and tenacity from Costanzo and team saw them not only claw back to 2 – 2 , but ultimately claim both titles in a thrilling 3 – 2 Finals series.
With a morning delay as the nor-easter settled in, the breeze built from 6 to 16 knots by the end of the day.
In the semi-finals both pairs only took two races to determine the finalists with Juliet Costanzo getting the better of fellow Club Member Isabella Holdsworth 2 – 0, whilst Jade Gavin beat New Zealander Ella Arnold who looked strong all week.
As the Finals took place, the petit-final also saw an intense battle, with Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s Ella Arnold overcoming Holdsworth 2 – 0.
At the prize giving Margot Connors presented the John Messenger Trophy to the winners, and Niall Powers NSW/ACT GM presented the Australian Women’s Match Racing Perpetual trophy to the winners.
For Costanzo the win this weekend is a massive confidence booster before she and her team head to Bermuda for the Women’s World Match Racing Tour at the end of the month.
