22 Jan 2014 – Media Release
2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland: Olympic Skiffs Likely to Feature Tight Racing
The quality of racing in both the men’s and women’s Olympic skiff events at 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland is guaranteed
to be world class with both fleets featuring not only both reigning world champions but the also men’s silver medallists
from the 2013 Worlds, and female 49erFX crews from the Netherlands, Japan and Australia.
Hot young kiwi skiff-sailing talents Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech, (pictured above competing in 2013) who won the
inaugural world title in the class last September in France, have enticed Dutch 49erFX helm Annemeik Bekkering to the
southern hemisphere along with two compatriots Claire Blom and Annette Deutz who will likely sail on alternate days with
Bekkering.
Bekkering and Blom placed 5th at 2013’s most significant regattas; the 49erFX European and World Championships and are
anticipated to provide the locals with some stiff competition. Australia’s Haylee Outteridge and Ella Clark are also
coming to Auckland fresh from a medal winning performance at ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne Regatta in December 2013.
A Japanese 49erFX entry further highlights the growing international participation at the regatta. Chika Hatae and
Noriko Okuma who placed 13th in the silver fleet at the 2013 49erFX World Championships are also coming to Auckland for
the event.
Having the top international crews in town for 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland is exciting for not only Maloney and
Meech, but also for the other New Zealand crews competing.
Maloney says; “The opportunities to race at home in New Zealand against quality international sailors don’t come along
to often. To have the visiting sailors choosing to come down to Oceanbridge Sail Auckland takes it up a notch for the
kiwis, and Molly and I are really looking forward to going racing on February 1st.”
Headlining the men’s 49er skiff are Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, Olympic silver medallists and reigning world champions
in the class. Yet despite their formidable talent Burling and Tuke have another kiwi crew hot on their heels, and
they’ve managed to dodge the spotlight while securing impressive international results.
Marcus Hansen and Josh Porebski earned themselves selection to the NZL Sailing Team with a sixth place world
championship finish back in 2012 both just 19 years old at the time. At last year’s Worlds they secured the 49er World
Championship silver medal, and the young guns would no doubt enjoy taking a victory from their senior training partners
and NZL Sailing team-mates.
Peter Burling says; “With Marcus and Josh in the fleet regattas like the National Champs and Oceanbridge Sail Auckland
are no easy win for Blair and I. They’re young, they’re hungry and they go out there with nothing to lose – they
definitely keep us on our toes, which is awesome.”
He continues; “Oceanbridge Sail Auckland is a great regatta. With so many of our major international regattas in the
northern hemisphere we really like being able to race here at home, and in front of friends, family and the New Zealand
public.”
To follow the action head to sailauckland.org.nz - the up-to-the-minute website features a social media feed where
competitors, supporters and volunteers posts using #sailakl on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will paint a real-time
picture of what’s happening on the water.
ENDS