A legacy of excellence
Founded in 2003, the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta has grown to become one of the most revered competitions on the youth sailing calendar. The event honours Warren Jones, a key figure in Australia’s historic 1983 America’s Cup victory, by fostering the development of the sport’s future leaders. It’s a proving ground for up-and-coming talent, many of whom go on to compete in the America’s Cup and other high-profile international events.
The 2025 regatta will feature 12 teams battling it out in Foundation 36 yachts—vessels designed for tactical, high-intensity match racing. The competition’s Grade-3 status on the World Sailing rankings further solidifies its reputation, offering sailors a chance to climb the global ladder while competing in an electrifying atmosphere.
The competitors
This year, four teams from New Zealand will represent the country, bringing experience, skill, and a touch of Kiwi grit to Perth. Leading the charge is Josh Hyde, the nation’s top-ranked youth match racer and currently second in the world. Hyde has been racing with his team at RNZYS for five years and is known for his consistency and teamwork, making him a top contender at the regatta. Joining him are Robbie McCutcheon of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Ethan Fong from Quest Racing, and Hayden Smith’s Smiths Racing team.
Hyde’s competition includes some of the finest young sailors globally. Australia’s Cole Tapper, the world’s top-ranked youth match racer, returns for his second Warren Jones Regatta after finishing third in 2024. Recently crowned World Sailing Youth Match Racing Champion in Saudi Arabia, Tapper also claimed victory at the prestigious Governor’s Cup in July 2024. Tapper is ranked 20th in the Open rankings, solidifying his reputation as the skipper to beat.
Daniel Kemp from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is another strong favourite. A graduate of RPAYC’s ‘Youth Development’ program, Kemp recently won the Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship with his team, who have been sailing together since 2022.
Max Paul, returning for his fourth Warren Jones Regatta, has enjoyed a successful year in both the 49er class and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup. After two consecutive fifth-place finishes at the regatta, Paul and his team are eager to improve their performance.
Marcello Torre from the host club, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC), is a competitor to watch as he looks to improve on his second-place finish at last year’s event. With a strong desire to take the top spot this time around, Torre is expected to bring his A-game. Also in the spotlight is Mia Lovelady, leading the only all-female team in the competition. Building on her performance from the previous year, Lovelady is determined to make her mark.
Adding an international flair, Jeffrey Petersen and his team from Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach, California, bring a wealth of experience, including two Governor’s Cup wins and a Youth World Match Racing Championship title. From Canada, Alec Coleman leads the True North Sailing Team, founded in 2023. The team has excelled across multiple classes and disciplines in Europe and North America and aims to provide young Canadians with opportunities to compete at the highest levels of keelboat and match racing.
Sam King of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT) will lead his crew, known for their fierce determination and exceptional sailing skills. King, the 2023 Australian Open Match Racing Champion, is another sailor to watch as his team battles for the championship.
Ethan Fong and his team, current Youth Training Program (YTP) sailors at RNZYS, have been competing together for one year. They demonstrated remarkable performance in a series of prestigious events, including placing second at the recent Harken Youth International Match Racing Championships. Meanwhile, Hayden Smith (RNZYS) has formed a newly assembled team, also from the YTP program. Currently ranked 10th in the Youth World Match Racing Rankings, Smith’s team is eager to gain experience and build on their upward trajectory.
New Zealand has a rich history in match racing, and the nation’s sailors have performed well on the global stage. Hyde’s team, for instance, recently claimed podium finishes at the Youth Match Racing World Championships and other key international regattas. The stakes are high, with the coveted Warren Jones perpetual trophy on the line alongside travel grants for top-performing teams.
The full list of competitors is below:
International Skippers:
- Alec Coleman – Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Canada
- Jeffrey Petersen – Balboa Yacht Club, USA
- Josh Hyde – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, NZ
- Robbie McCutcheon – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, NZ
- Ethan Fong – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, NZ
- Hayden Smith – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, NZ
Australian Skippers:
- Cole Tapper – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, NSW
- Daniel Kemp – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, NSW
- Max Paul – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, NSW
- Sam King – Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Tasmania
- Marcello Torre – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA
- Mia Lovelady – Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, WA
The regatta’s four-stage format—including round robins, semi-finals, a third-place match, and the grand final—ensures ample drama. The event also offers the “Traveller’s Trophy” to the best-performing international team, adding an extra layer of incentive for competitors from outside Australia.
Building momentum
The 2025 Warren Jones International Youth Regatta isn’t just a competition; it’s an experience that fosters growth and showcases the spirit of sailing. Highlights of the week include the Twilight Cup and a gala fundraising luncheon. These events underscore the regatta’s broader mission to inspire and support youth in sailing.
Anticipation on the water
As the 2025 regatta approaches, all eyes are on the Swan River. Will Josh Hyde cement his place as one of the world’s premier match racers? Can the less experienced Kiwi teams upset Australia’s dominance? Or will an international contender emerge as a dark horse? With tight racing, fierce rivalries, and high stakes, the Warren Jones Regatta promises a spectacle that will set the tone for youth match racing between the Aussies and Kiwis in the year to come.
For New Zealand, this isn’t just about medals and trophies; it’s a chance to reaffirm its place as a powerhouse in the global sailing community. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds.
