18th May 2009
By Jeff Carter
Team Edake of Squadron skipper David Chapman (center) finish in fourth place
Photo: Event Media
16th May 2009
The last two flights of the Korean Match Race Qualifier were held today in light and variable conditions.
The US team (Sally Barkow) came out fighting and won her two matches. The Japanese (Kan Yamada) won their only match of the day which put them into clear third spot and into the semis.
The Australian team (David Chapman - Team Edake) sat on the large watching pier as the race between the two Korean teams unfolded. The top Korean team held the lead to the last mark but then the mishap of a twist in the spinnaker allowed the other Korean team to pass them and go on to win the match.
This meant that Australian team was equal on points with the all girl US team. Luckily for them they had beaten the US team in their match against each other and as such, have made it through to the semis.
The last major match was between the two Kiwi teams of Laurie Jury and Reuben Corbett. The start was won by Laurie and he led to the finish.
The Umpires, led by Craig Mitchell, had a number of decisions to call in the matches today and from all accounts they did a good job.
Tomorrow will be the semis and finals. Laurie Jury has chosen to sail against David Chapman (Team Edake) while Reuben Corbett will sail off against Kan Yamada.
17th May 2009
The two Kiwi teams of Laurie Jury and Rueben Corbett were dominant today dispensing the Australian and Japanese teams in the semis. The wind was around 15 knots and the Kiwis were too strong in the starts.
Then these two teams met in the final. Rueben led at all three marks but Laurie gybed earlier onto starboard in a fresh breeze and gained enough forward to blanket Rueben. He cleverly snuck back under Rueben and forced his way in to the finish and won the first race by a boat length. In race two Laurie gained a penalty on Rueben and then went on to win the series.
In the mach off for third place the Japanese team was too strong and beat David’s Australian team. The US all girl crew won their match against the Korean team and finished fifth.
Overall it was a great qualifying regatta and the real thing will be a sight to see at the new Marina complex.
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