RNZYS celebrates Silver Medal win at World Match Racing Tour Final
by Ella Sagnol/RNZYS Media 17 Dec 2024 17:25 PST
2024 World Match Racing Tour Final - Shenzhen, China - December 2024 © Ian Roman / WMRT
Nick Egnot-Johnson, representing RNZYS, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, culminating in a hard-fought final series, that went to six Matches.
The team faced some of the world's best match racers, including a challenging semi-final against France's Ian Garreta.
The final match was fought in a thrilling first to three series against Great Britain's Ian Williams who also had an RNZYS member, Jon Gundersen crewing aboard his Manuport Logistics team.
Egnot-Johnson won the first race against Williams, but the British sailor bounced back with two wins, putting him one race away from the title. Egnot-Johnson won the fourth race, leading to a decisive fifth race. During the fifth race, both sailors incurred penalties after a dramatic windward mark rounding. Williams crossed the finish line first, but a post-race hearing penalized him 0.75 points for damage, necessitating a sixth race. Williams then dominated the final race, securing his record breaking eighth Match Racing World Championship.
Reflecting on the event Egnot-Johnson said "We’ve had a great time and we’re proud of our results, sailing against Ian is always an honour. We gave it our all, and we’re excited to get back on the water in 2025"
Knots Racing team displayed exceptional resilience throughout the event, with a 7th in the round robin stage, Egnot-Johnson and team rallied in the repechage round to secure their entry into the quarter finals where they knocked out Sweden’s Johnnie Berntsson.
Nick Egnot-Johnson has had a remarkable match racing career. As the skipper of KNOTS Racing, he has led his team to numerous victories on the international stage. Some of his notable achievements include winning the 2022 World Match Racing Tour Championship and being a three-time New Zealand Match Racing National Champion. His team has consistently ranked among the top match racing teams globally, earning recognition for their determination and teamwork, with many of the core team sailing together since their time in the RNZYS Youth Training Programme.
The World Match Racing Tour Final in Shenzhen featured intense racing conditions, with a very light start to ending on gusty winds and close finishes. Egnot-Johnson's journey to the podium included a series of impressive victories, demonstrating the team's ability to perform under pressure and adapt to challenging conditions.
This achievement adds to the rich legacy of RNZYS in the world of competitive sailing. The club remains committed to supporting its sailors and promoting the sport of match racing both locally and internationally.
Full results: Match Racing Results.
About the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) is one of New Zealand’s leading yacht clubs, with an illustrious history dating back to 1871. The RNZYS is the holder of the America’s Cup, after Emirates Team New Zealand defended the oldest sporting trophy in the world at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.