by Adele Jackson, Swan River Sailing
This exciting international match racing regatta was established in memory of yachting legend, Warren Jones through the Western Australian Yachting Foundation (Inc.) and the Warren Jones Foundation (Inc.).
It has been held annually in Western Australia since 2003 and has grown into a highly regarded event on the international yachting calendar from which many young competitors have launched their match racing careers.
The event is hosted alternately between the Royal Perth Yacht Club in odd years and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club in even years and competitors sail in the Western Australian Yachting Foundation's matched fleet of Foundation 36 yachts which were designed specifically for match racing, providing a challenging platform for young sailors to develop and showcase their skills.
Both Clubs provide a natural theatre with vantage points from which racing can be viewed and the onwater opportunities are magnificent for sponsors and spectators alike to be right in amongst the excitement of the yachting action.
As part of the co-operation with other international events, the winner of the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta receives automatic invitations to the Open de España in Spain, the Australia Cup at the Royal Perth Yacht Club and to a World Match Racing Tour event.
Terri Platell, Warren Jones' eldest daughter said of the event, "Our family is thrilled that this regatta has so quickly developed a reputation as one of the best youth match racing events in the world. My father would have been absolutely delighted that it has become an eagerly awaited international competition that provides so many future champions with the opportunity to participate in an international regatta of this calibre.
"We thank the many people who have come together to make the regatta a world class event, in honour of our father."
The timing and format of the annual event makes it appealing for both competitors and spectators, drawing the best -of-the-best of the World's youth match racing competitors for what has become known simply as 'The Warren Jones'.
Past Travellers Trophy Winners (for overseas entrants)
2009: Phil Robertson - RNZYS (NZL) - also Warren Jones Regatta winner
2008: Adam Minoprio - RNZYS (NZL)
2007: Alastair Hall - RYA (GBR)
2006: Adam Minoprio - RNZYS (NZL) - also Warren Jones Regatta winner
2005: Simon Minoprio - RNZYS (NZL) - also Warren Jones Regatta winner
2004: Simon Minoprio - RNZYS (NZL) - also Warren Jones Regatta winner
Official Warren Jones International Youth Regatta Programme
Warren Jones International Youth Regatta
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