Tuesday 8 March 2011

Koru Match Named "New Zealand A Team"


Stephanie Hazard, Susannah Pyatt and Jenna Hansen. Image copyright Koru Match.

by Stephanie Hazard

Koru Match has had a busy start to the year. Since returning home from Miami the girls have been training and racing hard, on target for their Olympic goals.

Last week the team was joined by Sara Winther and Nichola Trudgen for the NZ Women's Match Racing Nationals in the Elliot 7m. After the second day of racing Koru Match was through to the finals with a 100% win record, however they were out sailed by team Jolly (Polly, Miranda, Jo, Merran and Anita) to finish 2nd. The girls are looking forward to getting even sometime soon!


Koru Match racing Anne-Claire Le Berre (FRA). Image copyright John Payne/JohnPaynePhoto.com

At the end of February, the team came out on top in the Musto Wellington Match Cup. This was a selection regatta to rank the six New Zealand teams. On Friday Koru Match were announced the "New Zealand A Team." This gives the team first option to represent NZ in the ISAF World Cup Events, including the Weymouth Sail For Gold, the first of the NZ Olympic selection events.

Next on the agenda is the European Olympic circuit. In two weeks the girls depart for five months of World Cup Regattas (Palma, Hyeres, Medemblik, Weymouth). This is a crucial part of our build up for the 2012 Olympics. We are currently fundraising for this trip and any financial assistance would be greatly appreciated.


Koru Match racing Anne-Claire Le Berre (FRA). Image copyright John Payne/JohnPaynePhoto.com

Results for the year:
-7th Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta (ISAF World Cup Event)
-1st Musto Wellington Match Cup
-2nd New Zealand Women's Match Racing Nationals

Koru Match is Stephanie Hazard (Helm), Susannah Pyatt (Bow) & Jenna Hansen (Trim).

Koru Match would like to thank our supporters and sponsors: Sparc, Yachting New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Sandspit Yacht Club, Trillian Trust, Jack Link's and SLAM.

Koru Match