Tiller joins Sutherland in the lead spot of the Telecom NZ Match Racing Championships

[Source: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron] William Tiller and his Lion Foundation Youth Training Programme crew have jumped up into first position equal with yesterday’s leader Graeme Sutherland after a fantastic champagne sailing day on the Waitemata Harbour.

Sutherland continued his winning streak adding another four wins to his total this morning, but then losses to Tiller and Chris Dickson kept his score to 11 wins overall and Tiller and his youth crew were able to catch up.

Tiller had a fantastic day in the light shifty conditions winning his seven races, including wins over all his main rivals; Sutherland, Laurie Jury, Reuben Corbett and Josh Junior.

“The conditions were tough and we had to change gears a lot, but we just kept focused and had a great day” commented Tiller.

The conditions on the water were shifty and with pressure fluctuations today was a ‘head’s out of boat day’ but the clear blue sky and sunshine kept the sailors happy and plenty of close racing for all the spectators along the Westhaven sea-wall.


Chris Dickson and his youth team had a much improved day on the water, adding five wins to their total score and putting them in the hunt for the crucial top four semi final berths.

To round out the top spots Reuben Corbett, Laurie Jury and Josh Junior still hold onto their third to fifth placings respectively.

Also jumping up the leader board is female skipper Stephanie Hazard who added three wins to her total score, keeping her in the top female position and seventh overall.

With another great forecast we are looking forward to some close racing on Friday, first up is William Tiller versus Chris Dickson.