New Zealand's Women match racers through to quarter-finals in Miami

The Silver Sails racing crew of Samantha Osborne, Raynor Smeal and Jenna Hansen. Supplied image.

by Jodie Bakewell-White

The New Zealand Women’s Match-Racing crew skippered by Samantha Osborne has made a strong start to racing at the 2010 Rolex Miami OCR (Olympic Classes Regatta) on now in Florida.

The women’s match-racing crew, competing in Group C of the round robin racing, completed seven races on what was their first day of competition after cancellations yesterday. Racing took place today in 7-15 knot winds.

With five wins from those seven races, only the Australians had a better record in Group C, and the New Zealanders move through to the gold fleet for quarterfinals racing.

A total of 24 crews are competing in the Women’s Match-Racing event at Miami OCR and the kiwis have easily secured their place in the top eight after today’s performance on the water.

“We had an awesome start, with three clean wins,” report the Silver Sails racing crew of Samantha Osborne, Raynor Smeal and Jenna Hansen.

“Then came the race with Archer (GBR), where we started over and slow and we could just never catch up. Next was Souter (AUS), it was a close tight race, we both had our opportunities and she took hers to win the race.

“In Silver Sails Racing style, the team fought hard, and finished off with two wins. So we ended up with five wins, two losses and second place in the round robin. This result guarantees us a place in the quarter finals (top eight) on Friday.

“The highlight of the day was literally making it through... we are stoked and looking forward to the next round,” say the girls.



Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are sailing in the 49er skiff fleet, debutants in the class this season. They have now sailed six races in total and are placed 11th overall in the fleet of 36.

The young kiwi pair has returned three top five finishes in the highly competitive fleet so far, including two 2nds. Brothers Sam and Will Phillips from Australia lead the 49er fleet.

Racing continues in Miami tomorrow and concludes on Saturday (US time).

Yachting New Zealand
Rolex Miami OCR