Close racing for first event of 2025 RYA Match Racing series - Qualifier 1
by British Keelboat Sailing 22 Jan 20:04 UTC
18-19 January 2025
Winning teams - RYA Match Racing Series, Qualifier 1 © British Keelboat Sailing
The first qualifier of the RYA National Match Racing Series 2025 saw nine teams competing at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.
Although it was a grey and chilly weekend for the sailors (18-19 January 2025) there was enough breeze for a full schedule of racing to be completed aboard British Keelboat Sailing's Elliott 6Ms.
A relatively light and shifty easterly wind on the Saturday saw race officer Martyn Emberson making course changes for 30 to 40 degree shifts, and for the teams there was often variable pressure across the track.
Some matches were won or lost by boats escaping to sail around their rivals in more breeze, providing a good lesson about covering an opponent.
Having started the day in 5-7 knots, the wind eventually stabilised with around 9-10 knots - sometimes 12-13 knots in bands of wind - making it a day where no team was overpowered to put the spotlight on tactics.
By the close of play on Saturday, the schedule had reached the 10th flight of the round robin. An evening debrief led by the umpires was well attended by the sailors, who were praised for racing the event professionally.
Guest appearance
Sunday saw a more southerly and stable breeze, with mostly 8 to 10 knots on a course which avoided the wind shadows from the ships in Portland Harbour.
Adding to the fun, a dolphin made a guest appearance and on occasions was determined to give the teams a run for their money up the beats.
At the conclusion of the round robin, Jamie Tylecote was leading from Juliette Kennedy and Heather Quinn, with all three teams having won six of their eight matches.
Commenting on the weekend, Event Director Phil Devereux said: "We were lucky as the breeze then held up for the play-offs, semi-finals and final, providing a great opportunity to further test tactical awareness and boat positioning.
"The ability to pull the trigger and get the boat moving quickly off the startline made all the difference, and a team could be in an advantageous position only to then find themselves unable to accelerate and on a backfoot.
"It was often really intense and we had some really cracking match racing."
Semis and final
Enjoying a notable second day was Will Caiger and team who moved up from the 8th-9th playoff to climb the overall standings to 6th overall.
It would also prove to be a strong day for experienced match racing crew Terry Hacker, who was helming at an event for the first time and had finished the round robin in fourth with teammates Killian Boag, Lucy Street and Freya Pembery.
In the semi-finals, Hacker beat Jamie Tylecote 2:0 and Juliette Kennedy likewise sealed her place in the final with two wins over Heather Quinn.
Tylecote and Quinn then pushed the Petit Final to three matches: Tylecote took the first win; Quinn equalised; and Tylecote claimed race three for third overall.
In the final, the now on-form team of Hacker and co. from Southampton University Sailing Club continued their winning ways with a 3:0 scoreline over Kennedy.
Winning skipper Hacker said: "Heading into the event, I was excited to take on the challenge of skippering for the first time with an amazing team. We all really enjoyed the weekend which was filled with lots of close and exciting racing.
"Finishing on top was a great achievement as we weren't sure what to expect going into the event. One thing that really elevated our team was our focus and positive mindset particularly when we were behind."
Full results: www.matchracingresults.com/2025/rya-qualifier-1
The RYA National Match Racing Series now continues with Qualifier 2 hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club at London's Queen Mary Reservoir (15-16 February 2025).
Find all the details, including the Notice of Race and entry, at www.rya.org.uk/racing/keelboat-racer/match-racing