The Australian Women’s Match Racing Championship was incorporated into the CYCA’s John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta, held from 11^th to 13^th 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.