Congratulations to Aussie sailors Archie Cropley and Max Paul from Middle Harbour Yacht Club winning the 2018 29er National Championships in New Zealand over the weekend. In addition, fellow NSWIS team mates Henry Larkins and Miles Davey from Woollahara Sailing Club stood side by side on the podium finishing third.

Being held at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club there was certainly plenty on with the first day being abandoned due to 40+ knots of breeze and torrential rain. Then, on day two in typical North Island fashion the wind totally dropped.

The wind eventually settled in and while peaking at 4 to 6 knots racing eventually got underway. However, the previous day’s wind brought in a solid 3-4 metre swell making a few competitors and race officials go a little green by the end of the day.

Day three was a mix of the previous two days, with winds settling in the around 15 – 20 knots and the addition of some left-over swell the day presented exciting yet challenging conditions. The experienced sailors took it in their stride taking full advantage of the breeze but the less experienced sailors found it all pretty challenging but it was a great experience for all.

A special mention to the boys who were the only two Australian teams in the event of 23 competitors. It’s an excellent result given the challenging conditions in a different country.