Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour played host to some thrilling match racing action today, as the 2024 New Zealand Match Racing Championships came to a dramatic close. After a week of intense competition, New Zealand skipper Reuben Corbett of Black Sheep Racing with his team, Guy Pilkington, Harry Thurston, and Shaun Mason, emerged as the champions, fending off a strong challenge from Australian skipper Cole Tapper and his team, Jack Frewin, Hamish Vass, Joel Beshel, and Chelsea Williams in a gripping final that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Semi-Finals: Tension Builds
As the semi-finals began, the tension was palpable. The first match saw New Zealand’s Reuben Corbett face off against compatriot Josh Hyde, with both sailors having shown impressive form throughout the event. Corbett struck first, taking the opening race, but Hyde wasn’t backing down. In a closely contested second race, Hyde levelled the score, keeping his hopes alive for a spot in the final. However, Corbett regained control, clinching the next two races to seal the deal with a 3-1 victory and secure his place in the final.
In the second semi-final, Australia’s Cole Tapper went up against Great Britain’s Robbie McCutcheon. McCutcheon, who had shown impressive speed in earlier rounds, took the first race, creating an early advantage. But Tapper quickly found his rhythm, taking the next three races in succession to win the semi-final 3-1 and confirm his spot in the showdown for the championship.
The Petit-Final: A Fight for Third
With the final spots decided, the focus shifted to the Petit-final, where Robbie McCutcheon and Josh Hyde battled for third place in a best-of-three series. McCutcheon took an early lead, winning race 1, but Hyde was determined to make a comeback. The New Zealander fought back, winning the next two races in decisive fashion to secure third place with a 2-1 victory. Both teams displayed skill and tenacity, and Hyde’s determination in particular was impressive as he turned the series around.
The Final: A Nail-Biting Conclusion
With everything on the line, the stage was set for a thrilling final between Reuben Corbett and Cole Tapper. The first two races were a masterclass in match racing, with Corbett taking both wins in commanding fashion. Tapper, however, wasn’t about to give up easily. In the third race, he fought back to win in a dramatic finish, giving his supporters hope of a comeback.
But Corbett, who had sailed consistently throughout the regatta, was not to be denied. In the fourth race, he kept his cool and clinched the victory, sealing the 2024 New Zealand Match Racing Championship with a 3-1 win.
Consistency and Skill
Reuben Corbett’s triumph today marks the culmination of a fantastic regatta, where his tactical brilliance and composure under pressure ultimately secured him the title. While Cole Tapper pushed him all the way, his consistency throughout the competition and particularly in the final proved to be the key to victory.
Equally deserving of praise are Robbie McCutcheon and Josh Hyde, who both fought hard for their places and showcased impressive match racing skills. McCutcheon’s strong start in the Petit-final was a reminder of his potential, while Hyde’s fightback to take third place was a testament to his desire to win.
This year’s championship has been a showcase of world-class match racing, and the competition continues to highlight the strength of the sport in New Zealand.
Congratulations to all the competitors, particularly Reuben Corbett, Guy Pilkington, Harry Thurston, and Shaun Mason who take home the prestigious title.
