Issue date
A team of NZL 420s took to sailing in Australia over December and January - making the most of the wide range of conditions that Melbourne and Sydney can deliver as well as the large and competitive fleets that Australia has in their youth classes.
Josh Berry and Henry Haslett started their campaign in mid-December at Sail Melbourne, where they finished 8th in their first big fleet regatta, even managing to take a win in one race. Moving to Sail Sydney was made easy by the tremendous support from the Australian and Victorian 420 associations - where they climbed to take 5th place and starting to show they had some potential.
Josh Berry and Henry Haslett in action at the Australian 420 National Champs
Their final regatta and first for 2016 was the Australian 420 Nationals, also in Sydney at Woollahra Sailing Club. Every condition Sydney could muster, from 3m breaking swells, to gusts over 25knots, torrential sheets of rain and racing in 2-3 knots with big wind shifts, took place over the five day regatta. Finishing 2nd overall, top International Sailors and taking a 1st in their last race with all races inside the top 8 was a great way to end their campaign. Josh Berry returned to New Zealand for the P Nationals where he placed 3rd in the Tanner Cup whilst Henry stayed on to race with NSW sailor Finn Gilbert and together they finished 2nd in the Australian 420 Youths.
Henry Haslett and Josh Berry
Brianna and Courtney Reynolds-Smith arrived in Sydney in time for New Year and settled in for both the Australian 420 Nationals and 420 Youths. Showing good steady improvement throughout the Nationals they finished 17th overall but took to the podium on handicap. The Australian Youth regatta saw a good solid step forward and some nice top 10 results and they were unlucky to just miss out on a top 10 overall and third placing in the girls division. Great experience for them with a very solid fortnight of sailing.
Brianna and Courtney Reynolds-Smith in action
Taking a big step, new pairing Annabel Cave and Alice Haslett took to the Australian Nationals determined to get some big fleet experience and good breezes to push them and give a base as to what the standard was like ahead for them. Like the others they found the conditions tough, but ideal for learning. With plenty of opportunity to try out and put some skills together they came away with a 24th overall and pleased to have got inside the top 20 in several races.
Annabel Cave and Alice Haslett
For all aspiring New Zealand youth sailors, the Australian summer series offers very cost effective, close to home, competitive-fleet regattas. The generosity and welcoming of the kiwis by the Australian 420 sailors, parents and coaches is huge and if you can, a summer series in Australia should be on your list.
Visit the NZ 420 Class Association website http://www.420sailing.org.nz/
