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ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
75 From 1978 to 1984 the only match racing available to New ZealandYachtsmen besides the Citizen Match Race Series was the Stewart 34’s own series, which lasted only two days a year. Based upon the results of the 1984 Citizen, New Zealand’s best were no longer a match for the overseas skippers when it came to match racing. At the Stewart Association’s suggestion, the Squadron began a summer series of evening Match Racing with the first races on Tuesday, 6th November 1984. The series was held off Westhaven and were experimental, concentrating on match racing starts and short legs. After five years of competing in the Citizen, finally there was a chance for the NZ skippers to get in some much- needed practice to bring more of them up to the high standards of the now-dominant overseas skippers. Other races were held on 20 November, 4 December, and after the Christmas break, on 4 February, 18 February and 4 March. This summer match racing series was run for two seasons in 1984/85 and 1985/86. In both seasons,12 skippers and 84 crew members participated. Many of the participants went on to crew for the international skippers in the Citizen Watch Match Race Series. To insure that the practices were not taken lightly, protests were permitted and hearings held. To discourage frivolous protests, a protest fee of $500 was charged. This did not discourage Chris Packer, owner of Prince Hal, from fronting up to the protest room on the very first evening with his cheque for $500. His enthusiasm for match racing eventually earned him podium finishes in the New Zealand Trials, qualifying him for a berth in the Citizen in both 1986 and 1987. The StewartAssociation also put a request to the Squadron that they set aside funds to send top NZ helmsmen to match racing regattas overseas in order to gain more experience. It was adopted, but on a limited basis, with Russell Coutts becoming one of the beneficiaries of the program. 1985 Stewart34Trialswereheldonthe24and25November1984. TheNewZealandTrialstodeterminetheCitizen’snextKiwiskippers was held on 16 and 17 February 1985. The top three finishers were Brad Butterworth,Russell Coutts andTom Dodson. According the Squadron General Committee meeting minutes,TVNZ sold rights to at least two countries of films to be taken during the match racing contests. Competitors in the 1985 Citizen Watch Match Race Series held on 19 to 21 April, in place order, were: Chris Dickson, NZ Sailed on Psychic. First skipper in the history of the Citizen to win every race which helped secure his dream to be helmsman for NZ in the next America’s Cup challenge. Chris had gotten his spot in this series at the 11th hour when Frenchman Yves Pajot, again withdrew. First place with 9 points. Rod Davis, USA Sailed on Prism. The favourite to win, had won gold in Solings at the previous Olympics and had just won the Congressional Cup. Second place with 7 points. Gary Jobson, USA Sailed on Prince Hal. Tactician in three America’s Cup campaigns including one victory with Ted Turner on Courageous. Third place with 5 points. Tom Dodson, NZ Sailed on Pionnier. World class Soling skipper and Finn champion. Fourth place with on count-back with 4 points. Stefano Roberti, ITA Sailed on Pahi. Brought three of his crew from the Aga Khan’s 12 Meter yacht Azzura. Fifth place on count-back with 4 points. Iain Murray,AUS Sailed on Princess. Took a break from helming 12-meter Kookaburra in Perth to take part Brett de Thier, shown here in a wicked broach, came in last place with 0 wins Sea Spray