Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Warren Jones Final Standings

After a very frustrating and trying day, WAKA Racing comes off the water in 2nd place. The semi finals were against the young and fiery David Gilmour. After two races, we both had one apiece but needed two more to win. We won the next two races, by no means easily, Gilmour giving us the challenge that we needed to go into the finals prepared. William Tiller won his races as well and so the Perth commentators were a bit disappointed on an all Kiwi Final!

This was a bit of a ‘grudge match’ as Tiller had sailed with WAKA Racing before and had taken some of our teammates with him. WAKA Racing came out firing. We were the 2009 Champions, after all.

After the first two races it was one each. The first team to win three races would be crowned the 2010 Champions. During race three, rounding the bottom pin, we were just passing Tiller when our team mate Garth, slipped overboard. Our bowman Matt Kelway, scrambled to his rescue. With one and a half team members in the water and out of action, we were unable to slip past Tiller and go for the win we were after. At the end of the race, it was Garth’s time to shine as Phil was occupied with the referees. The reporters wanted an interview. Garth handled it with professionalism.

Race four was a ‘do or die‘ race for WAKA Racing. We were trapped in the start, but managed to dip down around behind Tiller and caught him at a stand still. Skipper, Phil Robertson, while deciding to make the risky move, saw the damage bill flash before his eyes and then proceeded to carry out the ‘steel balls’ manoeuvre. Tiller copped a penalty during the race and the race was won from there!

SCORES

ROBERTSON 2

TILLER 2

It was all down to the final race. After a close start, the teams made their way up the course. Tiller held a very small lead. The top mark rounding was great teamwork by WAKA Racing, and we continued to keep a hold on Tiller. The race was far from over. Coming down to the bottom mark, our crew saw a red flag on the start boat, indicating a change of course. We weren’t far behind Tiller when we broke away to head to the RED mark, (as we had seen the flag, and we were sure of the change of course,) while Tiller rounded the yellow. Who was right? Horns started blasting as Tiller crossed the finish line. The cheering could be heard. However, there was confusion upon our boat. We HAD seen the red flag, it had come up. Therefore, we were, we felt, entitled to a rematch. We came off the water, very fiery, determined that we would have a rematch; because even the Commodore had seen the red flag go up. Surely the referees would see that it was fair to do so.

However, the referee’s weren’t in our favour and we were disqualified. A very frustrated and disappointed team of six headed to the ‘Marae’ (or out clubbing?) after prize giving for a good night’s sleep. We raced well, and worked well as a team. Workmanship on the boat was outstanding. Our hosts, Chris and Margaret Chapple, as always, have been fantastic. They are great supporters (and cooks) and we have thoroughly enjoyed staying with them this year. Congrats to Tiller and his crew for the win. And finally, a big thankyou to our families, friends and supporters back home for listening to our racing on the internet and cheering for us.

Final Placings

1 William Tiller NZL (RNZYS)


2 Phil Robertson NZL (RNZYS)


3 David Gilmour AUS (RFBYC)


4 Peter Nicholas AUS (RFBYC)


5 Tristan Brown AUS (RFBYC)


6 Robert Gibbs AUS (RPYC)


7 Kyle Langford AUS (CYCA)

8 Rueben Corbett NZL (RNZYS)


9 David Chapman AUS (RSYS)


10 Jordan Reece AUS (RSYS)


11 Martin Boidin DEN (RDYC)

Over and out,

WAKA Racing

Phil Robertson

Garth Ellingham

James Williamson

Matt Kelway

Mike Edmonds

Taylor Holland

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