With fleets ranging from the speedy 29ers and technical ILCA 6s class, the regatta showcased the growing diversity and depth of talent in Kiwi sailing. Across multiple race areas, sailors, skippers and crews battled changing winds, tight starts, and tactical courses, making for exciting races and unpredictable finishes, every sailor contributed to the electric atmosphere that defines the Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta.
The results at the end of this epic weekend:
Race Area A
This regatta reaffirmed its role in nurturing future champions. Sailors transitioning from beginner classes like Optimist Green to advanced fleets such as Starling displayed their growth and adaptability.
O’pen Skiff Gold Class (19 entries)
In the O’pen Skiff Gold Class, Sol Douwes of Manly Sailing Club claimed victory through consistent early results and tactical racing across the series. His finishes of 1st, 2nd, and 1st in the initial three races set the tone, giving him a crucial points buffer. However, Oliver Tiedemann staged a remarkable comeback, dominating Day 2 with four consecutive wins. Despite this late charge, Douwes’ overall consistency edged him to the title with a net 14 points, just four ahead of Tiedemann. Valentina Gladiadis also shone, securing third place and demonstrating resilience amidst fierce competition.
O’pen Skiff Silver Class (10 entries)
Jackson Leigh from the Bay of Islands Yacht Club delivered an almost flawless performance in the Silver Class, finishing first in four of six races and discarding only a second-place result. His commanding win with a net of just six points showcases his promising talent. Meanwhile, Maple Brazle who won one race, placed second in two races, and third in one race but also placed sixth in another race and then overcame a disqualification in Race 7 to secure third, illustrating determination and skill under challenging conditions.
Optimist Green (37 entries)
In the Optimist Green Class, Alvin Zhang of Murrays Bay Sailing Club demonstrated exceptional sailing maturity, claiming five top finishes to win with a net of just nine points. His teammate Adam Palmer also made an impressive leap to third place, showcasing the depth of talent at the club.
White Classes (32 entries)
The Optimist White Class saw Jack Robertson, also from Murrays Bay, emerge victorious with net 14 points. The fleet was competitive with Alex Garcia-Curtis from Torbay Sailing Club and Hudson Halla from Kohimarama Yacht Club netting 15 points each. Despite a competitive fleet, Robertson’s skill in navigating challenging conditions secured him a decisive win, further emphasising the strength of his club.
Starling Development Class (16 entries)
The Starling Development Class produced one of the regatta’s standout performances, as Kiera Dimock from Murrays Bay Sailing Club claimed first place with an incredible streak of three consecutive wins on Day 2. Her consistent finishes in the top three across all races earned her a net of just nine points. Hugo Brasell from Lake Taupo Yacht Club held second with notable victories early in the series, while Maren Lopetegi’s steady performance secured her third.
Race Area B
Race Area B provided thrilling competition across four major classes: Optimist Open, P Class, RS Feva, and Starling. Race Area B provided a platform for emerging talents and set the stage for their future success.
Optimist Open Class (54 entries)
Greta Hutton from Murrays Bay Sailing Club emerged victorious with an exemplary display of consistency and tactical racing. Greta’s series included two wins and five top-four finishes, resulting in a net score of 10 points. Her mastery of the challenging conditions secured her the top spot and exemplified her championship potential. Despite a strong mid-series, Harry Strang’s (from Tauranga YPBC) 19th-place finish in Race 7 proved costly, forcing him in second place. Sofia Turner (Wakatere Boating Club/Murrays Bay Sailing Club) demonstrated emerging strength which saw her earn third place from a victory in Race 6 and steady top-10 finishes.
P Class (21 Entries)
Finloe Gaites of Murrays Bay Sailing Club secured the win with consistent performances and critical victories in Races 5 and 7. His net score of 10 points reflected precision and strategic sailing in a competitive fleet. Gaites’ decisive Race 7 win under pressure sealed his victory. The tight margins between the top three underline the depth of talent in this fleet. Hamish Brown from Wakatere Boat Club/Murrays Bay Sailing Club started strongly which enabled him to come second in his class, but struggled in later races. Arthur Rebbeck also from Wakatere Boat Club finished close on Hamish Brown’s heels, with one point in it; he finished every race in the top six, reflecting solid form.
RS Feva Class (20 entries)
The partnership of James Currell and George Hayton from Maraetai and Howick Sailing Clubs claimed the title with a net score of 16 points. They showed tactical brilliance in securing early wins; and a steady performance throughout. Despite a discretionary penalty in Race 5, their pair of victories in Races 2 and 3 demonstrated their dominance. Elisa Currie and Juliet White from Maraetai and Wakatere Boating Club came second place with a strong showing but would have been disappointed with 18th in Race 4. If they had achieved a higher placing in Race 4 they would have won their class. Third place went to the pairing of Marlon Porteous and Millie Sanderson from Royal Akarana Yacht Club who were within two points of the first two teams. Together they were consistent but couldn’t quite get the race wins to get the higher points.
Starling Class (55 entries)
Blake McKinnon from Bucklands Beach Yacht Club emerged victorious in a highly competitive fleet, finishing with a net score of 19 points. His two race wins in Races 4 and 5, and strong consistency in the middle races proved pivotal in a series marked by tight margins. An 11th-place finish in Race 4 impacted Amelia Higson from Murrays Bay/Kohimarama Yacht Club chances despite a stellar start and strong finish. Leo Brown from Royal Akarana Yacht Club finished strongly, including a win in Race 7, but couldn’t overcome inconsistency in earlier races.
Race Area C
Race Area C hosted the competitive fleets of the 29er, 420, ILCA 6, and iQFOiL classes. Competitors delivered an impressive array of performances, reflecting the depth of talent across New Zealand’s sailing community and promising future champions.
29er Class (10 entries)
Will Leech and Will Mason from Charteris Bay Yacht Club/Wakatere Boating Club claimed the championship with a net score of 12 points. Despite challenges, including an on-course-side penalty (OCS) in Race 5, they displayed resilience with top finishes in Races 2 and 3. Right on their heels were Nelsen Meacham and Joe Leith from Wakatere Boat Club and Murrays Bay Sailing Club with strong consistent performances, including a win in Race 6 keeping them in contention despite an OCS in Race 5, and Hugo Smith and Louis Quere from Royal Akarana Yacht Club who consistently won in the top three places including a win in Race 8 but were impacted by their OCS in Race 5.
420 Class (2 entries)
In a head-to-head battle, Cam Brown and Oli Stone from Wakatere Boating Club and Kohimarama Yacht Club dominated the fleet, winning six of seven races and finishing with a net score of 6 points.
ILCA 6 Class (30 entries)
Tom Pilkington from Murrays Bay Sailing Club emerged victorious with a net score of 12 points, leveraging early race wins and consistent podium finishes. Close behind Tom Pilkington was Sam Clarke, also from Murrays Bay Sailing Club, who excelled with wins in Races 3 and 5 but lacked the consistency to surpass Pilkington. Adam Mark from Tauranga YPBC was third placed with five top-six finishes but struggled with race placements compared to the leaders.
iQFOiL Class (2 entries)
Finn Davies from Kohimarama Yacht Club claimed the title in the iQFOiL Class, winning the opening race and benefiting from a competitor’s retirement.
Until next year
As the regatta wraps up, the memories that were made will linger, friendships will continue to blossom, and dreams will be ignited. It is sport, after-all. This iconic event continues to inspire a new generation of sailors while honouring the spirit of Sir Peter Blake—a man whose legacy lives on through the passion and commitment of New Zealand’s sailing community.
A huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the 2024 Sir Peter Blake Torbay Regatta! Your sportsmanship, and passion for sailing created a truly memorable event. A special shoutout to the winners of each class—you’ve set a high bar with your incredible performances. Here’s to many more successful races and the continued growth of New Zealand’s sailing community!
