Selection Trials Start With Close Racing

Selection Trials Start With Close Racing

The 2003 Yachting New Zealand YouthSail began today off Algies Bay, just north of Auckland. In light shifty conditions, New Zealand's top youth sailors battled it out in the first two of what will be a twelve race series.

91 sailors are competing in this regatta, where in a number of classes Yachting New Zelaand will select both the New Zealand Youth Sailing Team and the National Youth Squad.

In the Mistral Mens class, this fleet is always going to be close. Jo Aleh and Jane Macky both won a race each, putting them on tied points after 2 races.

The non-trial classes (P Class, Starling, Splash, and 29er) raced on the inner course today, sailing in even shiftier conditions also completing 2 races. Dunedin 29er sailors Peter Graham/George Wills lead the way 2 points ahead of Kerikeri sailors Jim Maloney/Jimmy Maloney. After Race One Michael Langley leads the P Class and Luke Adams in the Starling. Splash sailor Brett Elstob leads the way winning both races, now two points ahead of Andy Maloney on 4 points.

Four races are scheduled tomorrow starting at 0930. With the weather forecast similar to today, sailors are in for a tough day, both mentally and physically.

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