In what promises to be an exhilarating contest, New Zealand’s best young match racers are gearing up to compete at the 2024 Youth World Match Racing Championship, taking place from November 27 to December 2 at the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina in Saudi Arabia. As the event approaches, all eyes will be on Josh Hyde and Noah Malpot, two promising sailors leading their respective teams into battle, each with ambitions of bringing glory to New Zealand.
A prestigious stage: The Youth World Match Racing Championship
The event is notable for its inclusion of the FarEast 28 racing keelboats, which are designed for high-speed inshore racing. The Youth World Match Racing Championship is the pinnacle of youth match racing, with the best sailors under the age of 23 from around the world competing for the title. Crews are made up of four to five members, with at least one male and one female sailor, and a total weight limit of 350kg. This ensures that the competition is not only about sailing skill but also about teamwork and strategy.
This year, the event is being held in Jeddah, at the iconic Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, located along the Red Sea. Known for its breathtaking views and world-class facilities, the marina has recently gained attention as a venue of significance, having hosted the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in 2024. For many sailors, the Youth World Championship represents the chance of a lifetime — a chance to showcase their abilities on the global stage and to build on the legacy of world-class sailors who have come before them.
New Zealand’s top teams: Hyde vs Malpot
New Zealand will be represented by two talented teams, led by Josh Hyde and Noah Malpot. These two have already demonstrated their prowess at the national level, and they are now set to take on the best the world has to offer.
Josh Hyde and his crew: The reigning champions of New Zealand
Josh Hyde and his team emerged victorious at the 2024 New Zealand Youth Match Racing Championship, held in Auckland on September 14-15. Then in November, after a thrilling final, Hyde’s team triumphed over Malpot’s in a 3-2 finish, further cementing Hyde’s place as one of the top match racers in the country. Hyde’s crew consists of Zach Fong, Cody Coughlan, Mason Mulcahy, and Sofia Higgott, with all of them bringing their own unique skills to the table.
Hyde as worked hard to achieve his number 1 ranking. In 2024 alone, he has placed 1st in the September New Zealand Match Racing Championship, 4th in the Governor’s Cup, 1st in the NZ Youth International Match Racing Champs, 1st in the Hardy Cup Sydney International Match Racing Regatta, and 4th in the 2024 Warren Jones International U25 Regatta.
Hyde’s team will be looking to carry this momentum into the world championship, where they’ll be competing against some of the best in the business. Hyde, currently ranked No. 1 in the world for Youth Match Racing (as of October 1, 2024), is one of the favourites going into the event. His technical expertise and leadership abilities will be key assets as he looks to defend New Zealand’s honor on the world stage.
Noah Malpot and his crew: A strong rival
Noah Malpot, who finished second to Hyde in the September national championships, is also a force to be reckoned with. His team, comprising Alissa Marshall, Ben Roff, Ethan Fong, and Luis Schneider, is made up of sailors from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Malpot’s crew has been training hard, knowing that their near victory in September has only fueled their desire to excel. The 22nd-ranked Youth Match Racing sailor will be pushing to knock Hyde off his perch and claim the championship for himself.
In 2024 Noah Malpot ranked 2nd in the September New Zealand Match Racing Youth Championships. Previously he had also ranked 2nd in the Mastercard Youth Training Regatta, 2nd in the 2024 RZNYS Youth Training programme, and in 2022 he had ranked 12th in the Harken Youth International Match Racing Championship and 5th in the NZ Youth Match Racing Nationals.
Zak Merton, Coach
The success of both teams can also be attributed to the exceptional coaching provided by Zak Merton, a former World Match Racing Champion and the current head coach of the Mastercard Youth Training Programme. Merton’s guidance has been invaluable to the development of these young sailors. A graduate of the Youth Training Programme himself, Merton’s experience is unmatched. Not only has he achieved success as a sailor, but his coaching track record speaks for itself — including victories in the Match Racing World Championships and five New Zealand Match Racing National Championships. Under his mentorship, both Hyde and Malpot have had the opportunity to hone their skills and prepare for the fierce competition they’ll face in Jeddah.
International competition: The best from around the World
While New Zealand’s teams are among the favourites, they will face stiff competition from top international sailors. Leading the charge is Australia’s Cole Tapper, ranked No. 2 in the world for youth match racing. Tapper finished second in the November 2024 New Zealand Match Racing Championships, proving he’s a worthy challenger for the title. Other contenders include France’s Rossi and Delerce, ranked 3rd and 4th respectively, as well as Ireland’s Higgins (14th) and the USA’s Callahan (16th).
Despite the competition, Hyde and Malpot have shown that they can hold their own at the highest levels. With a mix of international and domestic experience, New Zealand’s sailors are more than ready to rise to the occasion.
The Jeddah Yacht Club: A stunning venue
The Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina is one of the most prestigious venues in the Middle East, offering sailors world-class facilities and unparalleled views of the Red Sea. As a location, it’s quickly becoming a key player on the international sailing circuit. In addition to hosting the Youth World Match Racing Championship, the venue recently hosted the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, solidifying its reputation as a world-class destination for top-tier events.
For the competitors, racing in Jeddah provides an added layer of excitement, with its modern infrastructure and stunning surroundings creating the perfect backdrop for what promises to be a thrilling competition.
Race schedule and format
The competition will kick off on November 28 with the Opening Ceremony at 18:00, and racing will commence on November 29. Over the course of the competition, teams will go head-to-head in a series of matches, with daily briefings and post-race debriefings. The format will include a series of practice sessions, followed by a round-robin phase, and culminating in the finals on December 2, where the best teams will battle for the championship. The event will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony at 18:00 on December 2.
Financial challenges: A costly endeavour
Participating in an international event like the Youth World Match Racing Championship comes at a significant cost. For New Zealand teams, the trip to Jeddah will cost around $21,000. This figure includes travel, accommodation, and entry fees, all of which must be covered through sponsorships and fundraising. The financial burden of competing at this level is a challenge for many young sailors, but it’s also a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport.
While the high costs are a reality, they are also a motivator for these young athletes to seek out sponsorship and support from the sailing community. It’s through this support that they’re able to represent New Zealand on the world stage and push the boundaries of what’s possible in youth sailing.
Looking ahead: The future of youth sailing in New Zealand
The Youth World Match Racing Championship is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity for New Zealand’s top young sailors to showcase their abilities and build the future of match racing in the country. The experience gained from this event will be invaluable for their development, and whether they win or lose, the lessons learned and the friendships made will shape their sailing careers for years to come.
As Josh Hyde, Noah Malpot, and their teams head to Jeddah, New Zealand will be watching closely, eager to see how they measure up against the best. For these young sailors, it’s not just about the rankings or the glory — it’s about representing New Zealand and continuing the nation’s proud tradition of excellence in sailing.
