News

Hutchins School top team at Interdominion sailing series

Peter Campbell (2009-10-12 17:10:53)

The sailing team from The Hutchins School in Hobart has won the prestigious individual schools trophy at the Interdominion Secondary School Team Racing Challenge, sailed this past week at Brisbane's Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Teams from three Australian and three New Zealand schools competed, sailing Pacer dinghies on Moreton Bay in conditions that ranged from drifters to strong breezes and choppy waters.

The Hutchins School's victory was the first in 13 years by an Australian school, but the New Zealand team is taking home the Interdominion Trophy for the second consecutive year.

'This year we broke the drought!' said The Hutchins team captain Elliott Noye. '13 years ago and Aussie team won this trophy, now The Hutchins School in Tasmania gets to take it home.

'The last two Interdom regattas were embarrassing for us,' continued Noye. 'We didn't win one race against the boys from Tauranga. This year we placed less pressure on ourselves and just went out there to sail strong. It seemed to pay off as we finished as the top school,'continued Noye,' he added.

Whilst being the best ranked country is considered a major element of the Interdominion Secondary School Team Racing Championship, the sailors have the opinion that being the top placed school is best position to be in.
'It's a shame we haven't walked away with the double win, however being the winning school is awesome,' said Noye.

Thomas Saunders, team captain for Tauranga Boys College (NZ) said that racing was tough with the Australian's showcasing some strong team racing skills.

'There were a few umpire calls that went totally against us, but at the end of the day by New Zealand taking home the trophy it shows why we remain on top,' said Saunders.

Jess Tuke who represented Saint Kentigern College (NZ) said that winning the teams event gave them bragging rights. 'Now we get to hold our heads high knowing that New Zealand remains number one,' said Tuke.

The New Zealand sailors said that their strategies and techniques varied considerably from the Australians.

Donna Hamilton, representing the Mahurangi College team said that New Zealand has a high standard of team racing. 'It was tough racing, but our coaches have really given us the upper hand and we were able to keep the
Aussie's guessing,' said Hamilton.

Australia was represented by The Huchins School, Tasmania, Anglican Church Grammar School, Queensland and by St Joseph's School South Australia while representing New Zealand were Mahu Team, Saint Kentigern Coillege and
Tauranga Boys College.

Details on teams including the results and photos can be found via the link
http://www.rqys.com.au/index.php/2009-interdominions/




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