WAKA Racing wins NZ BMW Sailing Cup

by Phil Robertson | March 1, 2010

BMW NZ Communications Manager Piers Scott with the team; Sam Bell (Pit), Logan Fraser (Trim), Phil Robertson (Skipper), Brad Farand (Bow), Garth Ellingham (Mainsheet/Tactics)

Waka Racing has just won the New Zealand BMW Sailing Cup in outstanding form. After comfortably winning the fleet racing series they proceeded to win the Match racing series in blistering fashion. They now have the right to represent New Zealand at the BMW Sailing Cup World Final.

With six fleet races sailed on Saturday in 15 knots of breeze, Waka Racing took a commanding lead in the series. Sailing consistently with the goal of finishing in the top 4 every race the boys never took there eyes off the prize, finishing the day 4 points clear of second place. With the format for the regatta of one days fleet racing then the second day of Match Racing with the top four battling it out for the trophy. They knew they had the right to pick their opponent for the Semi Finals.

Waka racing chose Grant Turnbull and with more experience and great team work Waka Racing took him down 3-0 in the shifty southerly conditions off Westhaven Marina.

Entering from the starboard end against Will Tiller we managed to win the start we wanted and controlled the first race, winning by a comfortable margin.

Race two didn’t go as well after losing the start we couldn’t gain enough to attack him around the course.

Race 3 was close as big shifts were prominent and a lead was never big enough. We lead throughout but got caught near the top of the second beat. Experience shone through as we luffed Will hard and made him tack off at the top mark, gaining a four-boat length lead and the race.

Waka racing sealed the deal in race five, as it was a race for the tactician to win, and that he did. After an even start we got the first shift and the lead that we managed to double by the top mark to win the race and the regatta.

Back to main page