Just two weeks remain until the highly anticipated 30th HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Championship, and the excitement is palpable! This year’s event promises to showcase some of the Southern Hemisphere’s finest youth match racing talent, with thrilling matchups between the Kiwi and Aussie competitors.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is proud to host this prestigious event, now in its 30th year of competition, attracting teams from across the ditch in New Zealand and a robust representation of local talent. The selection process was as competitive as ever, resulting in a line-up that includes both developing and experienced youth teams eager to add their names to the impressive cohort already engraved on the coveted Rockin’ Robin Perpetual Trophy.

Representing the host club, RPAYC are:
Daniel Kemp, returning for his third consecutive HARKEN, will lead his crew: Isabella Holdsworth (tactics), Lachlan Wallace (trim), Louis Tilly (main), and Charlie Verity (bow). This cohesive team has trained together for nearly two years, gaining valuable experience in international and national competitions, including at the 57th Governor’s Cup in Balboa, the Royal New Zealand Youth International, and the recent 2024 Australian Youth Championship, where they finished second.

Hugo Butterworth, also returning to compete, for his second HARKEN, aims to improve upon last year’s results. He will skipper a crew comprising Bayley Taylor, Joshua Paulson, Hayley Fisher and Annabelle Sampson. Hugo and his team have diligently followed an intensive regime, seizing every training opportunity on Pittwater and recently competing in the Sailing League Champions Open Finals in Portugal, where they faced formidable opponents.

The teams have been coached by Rob Brewer, who was recently appointed as the Head Coach of the club. Rob commented “Both RPAYC teams have been training hard and have competed in a number of high-level events over the last year, allowing them to sharpen their skills in high-pressure situations. I’m really looking forward to watching some fantastic racing at this Harken Regatta."

Strong Competition Awaits.
Joining the RPAYC teams are three local teams, including representatives from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (skippers Thomas Rees and James Hayhoe) and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (skipper Ben Crafoord). From New Zealand, three teams from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will be led by Ethan Fong, Hayden Smith, and Charley Cates.

Fresh from the America’s Cup, Richard Slater will head the Umpire team, with club veteran Ted Anderson returning as Race Officer leading a skilled Race Management Team.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is delighted to continue its longstanding partnership with title sponsor HARKEN Australia. Grant Pellew, Managing Director of HARKEN Australasia, expresses excitement for this year’s event: “We are thrilled to see a diverse array of international teams participating in this milestone regatta. The HARKEN global family eagerly anticipates this event each year, as we remain committed to youth sailing both locally and globally. We wish all teams the best of luck and look forward to witnessing a new name added to the trophy, alongside previous winners who have become America’s Cup sailors, Olympians, and World Champions.”

Event Details:
The championship kicks off on Monday, 18 November, with the official welcome on Tuesday, followed by four days of exhilarating racing from 19-22 November on the RPAYC’s fleet of Elliott 7 yachts.

For the full lineup of teams and umpires, visit: www.intyouthmatchracingchampionship.com.au

Follow the regatta on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/royalprincealfredyachtclub/
https://www.instagram.com/rpayc/