NZ Match Racing Championships: Adam Minoprio and Gavin Brady tied at the top

[Source: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron] Another 5 flights completed today and another 4 wins for Gavin Brady and Adam Minoprio taking their totals to 11 wins each.

Brady’s only loss was to his boss, BMW Oracle Skipper Chris Dickson who also grabbed 4 wins today, only losing to Minoprio which takes his total to 9 wins overall.

Adam Minoprio’s only loss was to Brady which will suit Brady if the duo end up on equal points in a countback situation.

The top four, as they stand, are Brady, Adam Minoprio, Chris Dickson and Barker.

Barker had a tough day on the water with 2 wins and 3 losses, just keeping him in the top four.

Yesterday’s Young Guns had mixed days on the water, Graeme Sutherland another 3 wins to take his total to 8 overall and Laurie Jury 1 win plus a re-sail against Simon Dickey after Jury had damage and had to change boats in the morning. The re-sail will be sailed after the remaining four flights are completed tomorrow.

Sutherland, Jury and Simon Minoprio are all just out of the top four. Simon Minoprio had a mixed day losing to his younger brother and then beating Dean Barker in the very next race.

The highlight of the day for the Lion Foundation Youth Training Programme team, helmed by Phil Robertson was leading Dean Barker around the top mark for the first time, on the run Barker managed to get an inside overlap and rounded just infront of the youth team and end up taking the win. The youth team, being 60kg plus under the weigh limit fought hard in the heavy winds, strong tide and choppy seas.

Racing was called off around 3pm after the breeze increased to beyond the wind limit for the yachts and the Race Committee sent the boats in. Racing will resume at 930hrs on Saturday.

Gavin Brady beat Adam Minoprio in Friday's race and the two are tied at the top. Auckland, 24 November 2006. Photo copyright Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

The following picture is once again courtesy of the BMW Oracle Racing blog since it was the only one we could find of Dickson and Adam Minoprio. Don't forget to check the blog of the Challenger of Record for regular updates and nice photos from Ivor Wilkins of the NZ Match Racing Championships.

Adam Minoprio beat Chris Dickson in Friday's race. Auckland, 24 November 2006. Photo copyright Ivor Wilkins / BMW Oracle

Points Table
After Round Robin One & 5 Flights of Round Robin Two (14 flights)

Gavin Brady 11 wins / 3 losses
Adam Minoprio 11 / 3
Chris Dickson 9 / 5
Dean Barker 8 / 6
Graeme Sutherland 8 / 6
Laurie Jury 7/ 7
Simon Minoprio 7 / 7
Scott Dickson 5 / 9
Simon Dickey 3 / 11
Phil Robertson 0 / 14