Monday 14 June 2010

WMRT: Waka Racing have a frustrating end to the Korea Match Cup


WAKA Racing. Korea Match Cup 2010. World Match Racing Tour. Gyeonggi, Korea. 12th June 2010. Image copyright Ian Roman/Subzero Images.

by Garth Ellingham

Today was the final day of the round robin and with one race race remaining it was an important one for the Waka Racing boys. If they were to have any chance of making it through the to the quarter finals this last race had to be a victory. Unfortunately for the boys it was against defending champion Paolo Cian (ITA).

It didn’t start well, with the team misjudging their time on distance to just be over early and having to go back and restart. However with a good recovery and a nice shift they just managed to get Paolo on starboard near the top but were forced to tack away by him. Being this close to the top normally the boat in the boys position would get Paolo again on starboard right at the top and force him to tack.

However, Paolo got a fortunate little puff just before the mark that allowed him to narrowly cross and lead around the top mark. Unfotunately after a number of gybes and tacks in shifty conditions the team could not get past. This loss put an end to the regatta for the boys.

Video of Waka Racing on their last day of racing in Korea:


This was a disappointing end to the regatta with things not really going the teams way all week. However there is a quick turn around with a chance for redemption starting in a couple of days time in Slovenia. This is a Grade 2 event being held in very similar boats to Korea, starting on 17th June.

Waka Racing would like to thank our main sponsor Tax Management NZ and all the support we receive from the RNZYS, Frontend, Zhik , Wells and Co, PredictWind and Devine Consultants.

Waka Racing is Phil Robertson, Garth Ellingham, James Williamson and Sam Bell.

Waka Racing
World Match Racing Tour