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NZTRA

2003 MAERSK SEALAND SCHOOLS INTERDOMINIONS

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From the very start, the impressive Powhiri held in front of the Marae at Kerikeri High School , to the welcoming Morning Tea in the staff room, to the Celebration Assembly, the Interdominion Team Racing Regatta was a celebration of the diversity and excellence of our High School.

The Interdominion Regatta is a show case of not only our SAILING TEAM, but also the many talents of the whole school, the involvement of the community, the great location at Doves Bay , and the perfect conditions for sailors and spectators. We would like to thank the many supporters of the team.

The weather was ideal, steady easterly breezes and sunshine, auguring well for some intense racing. The many officials were able to easily perform their functions. The deck from the Kerikeri Cruising Club was well patronized by enthusiastic spectators, and the boats provided for the spectators were also supported.

The scoreboard is not at adequate reflection of this 16-nil win.  Racing was always tight, often the result not decided until the last leg, and on some occasions not until the finish line.

The Hutchins School sailed like the Australian champions that they are, demonstrating their skill and knowledge of tactics on the start line.  They adapted well to a different and unknown class of boat, the Sunburst, which is not sailed in Australia .

However, the New Zealand team from Kerikeri High School , maintained their composure under the Australians aggressive tactics.  The Kiwi sailors demonstrated their all round sailing ability and knowledge of team racing, were able to respond with lightning fast physical reflexes, and would sacrifice a lead position for the betterment of the team.  They sailed and acted as a true team.

These skills have been instilled and drilled into them by legendary coach Derry Godbert, manager Jim Murdoch, and Olympic trialist and ex-team captain Andrew Murdoch.  Kerikeri High School last won the Interdominion with Andrew  as captain in Brisbane in 2000, and it is fitting that his cousin, Jeffrey Clark, led the team to success in his last year as captain.  Other team members are: Skippers - Samantha Osborne, Reuben Corbett, Kevin Hooper, with crews Blair Tuke, Chantal Boon, Joe Foster and Bradley Farrand.

Jeff lead by example, often showing the skills of thinking and planning ahead and keeping his cool to extract his team from a losing position, and communicating to position his sailors in a tactical way.  Their use of the rules enabled traps to be set that Hutchins couldn’t see coming.  Hence we now hold the Interdominion Trophy for 2003 for a fifth time.