31st Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship - Day 1
by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club 20 Nov 00:06 PST
19-23 November 2025
Day 1 of the 2025 Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship delivered a full spectrum of match-racing drama on Pittwater, with fluctuating breeze, precision pre-starts, and hard-fought tactical duels defining the opening exchanges. A steady south-easterly built throughout the day into a 10-18-knot southerly, creating superb racing conditions and multiple opportunities for teams to demonstrate composure under pressure.
The morning's flights saw several unexpected upsets as teams settled into race mode, refined their timing to the line, and executed increasingly well-coordinated pre-start manoeuvres. As the Round Robin progressed into the afternoon, the fleet's overall standard tightened significantly, producing close finishes and notable shifts on the evolving leaderboard.
Kemp v Crafoord saw Kemp make a minor tactical error. Kemp fought back hard to the bitter end, but Crafoord was just inches ahead and took the win.
The match of the brothers Zack and Ethan Fong, both representing RNZYS, was one to watch with no family rules at play; each was out to win and claim bragging rights, with Ethan taking the final win.
The RNZYS squads delivered consistent strength across all flights, while standout performances from Kemp, Hayhoe, and Crafoord ensured that the field remains tightly contested heading into Day 2.
Flight 6 established early momentum for several competitors. Ethan Fong (RNZYS) opened the flight with a composed win over Ben Crafoord (CYCA). Robbie Wooldridge (RNZYS) extended his perfect record with a late comeback against Harriett McLachlan (RSYS). Zach Fong (RNZYS) out-tacked Louis Tilly (RPAYC) in a tight upwind duel and Daniel Kemp (RPAYC) controlled his match throughout to secure a decisive victory over Mia Lovelady (RFBYC).
Flight 7 brought meaningful shifts in momentum and the day's headline upset. Kemp executed a late surge to defeat Zach Fong while Samuel Scott (RNZYS) handed teammate Wooldridge his first loss of the regatta in a strong, disciplined performance. Lovelady maintained her rising form with a clear win over McLachlan. James Hayhoe (RSYS) closed the flight with a controlled victory against Tilly.
Flight 8 produced some of the closest tactical contests of the day. Hayhoe overcame an early double penalty on McLachlan, capitalising on strong pre-start positioning. Wooldridge bounced back immediately, edging Kemp in a match decided by precision at the leeward gate. Scott delivered a second-lap comeback to defeat Ethan Fong by several lengths. Zach Fong ended the flight with a narrow victory over Crafoord in one of the day's tightest finishes.
With a fresh southerly forecast to continue, more drama, upsets, and leaderboard shifts are expected as Round Robin 1 racing continues tomorrow. Stay tuned for updates from the rest of the championship - there's plenty more racing and excitement to come!
Race-by-race coverage, results, and daily updates will be available online at the official event website: www.intyouthmatchracingchampionship.com.au.