Wild Conditions, Tight Racing: NZMRC Kicks Off with Excitement
The 2024 New Zealand Match Racing Championship (NZMRC) has launched into action, with Auckland’s ever-changing weather providing the ultimate test for sailors and race management alike. Gusty breezes and rolling seas created high-energy racing, perfectly fitting for an event that draws some of the best in in New Zealand.
RNZYS Performance Sailing Manager Zak Merton is thrilled with the turnout:
“To have 16 strong skippers and crews lining up for the NZMRC is fantastic for match racing in New Zealand. This event gives up-and-coming match racers the chance to learn from experienced competitors while also fostering healthy competition among some of worlds strongest match racers.”
Led by Ross Chapman and Ryan Parkin, the race management and umpire teams showed their class, keeping the event on track through delays caused by breezy conditions and occasional damage to the fleet.
Day 1 – Close Battles Across the Fleet
The fleet delivered drama from the get-go on Thursday, with consistent northerly winds and a decent sea state, the sailors enjoyed epic downwind legs, providing spectators with thrilling displays of match racing at its best.
The tight racing that saw three skippers tied on five wins apiece by the day’s end. On countback, Mastercard Youth Training Programme skipper and one of New Zealand Youth Match Racing Worlds representative Noah Malpot emerged as the day’s standout performer. At just 19 years old, Malpot showcased composure and tactical brilliance well beyond his years.
Hot on his heels were two familiar names: 2019 Match Racing World Champion Nick Egnot-Johnson and Mastercard YTP member Ethan Fong, both pushing hard in the tricky conditions.
Day 2 – Experience Shines Through
Friday brought more action, with rising stars and seasoned sailors making their mark. Australian Cole Tapper, the 2024 Youth America’s Cup skipper and World No. 2 in youth match racing, continued his stellar year and demonstrated solid boat handling in the Elliott 7s.
Meanwhile, former YTP coach and 2022 NZMRC champion Rueben Corbett reminded everyone why he’s one of the favorites for the event, winning six out of seven races despite a two-year break from match racing.
Meanwhile, former YTP coach and 2022 NZMRC champion Rueben Corbett made a triumphant return to the event, winning six out of seven races. Despite stepping back from competitive racing in recent years, Corbett reminded everyone why he’s a past World No. 5, setting himself up as a clear contender for the title.
Super 16 – Showdowns to Watch
With the top eight skippers selecting their opponents for the first-to-two elimination round, Saturday’s Super 16 promises to bring fireworks. Among the matchups, all eyes will be on Youth Match Racing World No. 1 Josh Hyde of the RNZYS Performance Programme as he takes on RNZYS YTP graduate Jordan Stevenson. Stevenson, a former Governor’s Cup Champion and past World No. 6, is making his NZMRC return after a hiatus, and this matchup is tipped to be a blockbuster clash.
Top 3 qualifier Noah Malpot and his seasoned crew—2024 ILCA 7 Olympian Tom Saunders, 49er campaigner Logan Dunning-Beck, and accomplished sailors Will Mason and Will Leech—are quietly confident ahead of their match against WASZP World Champion Sam Street. Reflecting on his team’s performance so far, Malpot shared:
“We didn’t come into this event with many expectations, but it’s been fantastic so far. There’s still a lot of racing ahead, and we’re excited to keep pushing.”
Looking Ahead
With the quarterfinals planned for Saturday afternoon and the semifinals and finals set for Sunday; the stage is perfectly set for an epic weekend of match racing. Racing will likely move above the Auckland Harbour Bridge due to congestion in the inner harbor, but fans can catch the live updates from the RNZYS Members Bar and Lighthouse Café.
The weekend is set to deliver more high-stakes showdowns and unforgettable moments on the water.
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