Tenth Annual Warren Jones Youth Regatta kicks off tomorrow

The tenth annual Warren Jones International Youth Regatta starts on Tuesday 31st
January, but in those few years it has built an illustrious history and an enviable
reputation.

Generally regarded as one of the most prestigious youth match racing events in
the world, it stands out from most of the others because of the size of boats sailed,
Bakewell-White designed Foundation 36s, the size of boat used on the
senior circuit, and therefore an ideal step up the ladder for aspiring young sailors.

It is not just by chance that three of the seven past winning skippers have made it into
the top ten on the world rankings, with two going on to be no. 1 in the world.

The plinth of this coveted trophy, which was presented to the crew of Australia II at
the America’s Cup Jubilee in 2001, bears the names of skippers who are now amongst
the elite in a variety of areas of the sport.

Home grown West Australian skipper Torvar Mirsky, who won in ’07 and ’08, is still
a regular on the World Match Racing Tour, and last year also flirted with the now “in
vogue” multi-hull scene, trying out both the Extreme 40 circuit and the America’s
Cup 45s.

New Zealander Adam Minoprio, winning skipper in ’06, also includes the Match
Racing World Championship on his CV, and is currently competing in the Volvo
Ocean Race Around the World.

The list of achievements of not only the winning skippers and their crews, but of
many of those who didn’t quite pick up the Warren Jones Trophy, is impressive and
shows what a valuable part this event plays in the climb to the top of the international
scene.

There is certain to be a new name on the trophy come the end of the week, because
none of the past winners are back, but you can be sure that whoever’s name the
engraver has to inscribe on the silver band, will be recognised for their potential.

This year’s line up of young hopefuls include the usual crop of New Zealanders
keeping trans-Tasman rivalry alive, a Japanese skipper, Sydneysiders and the latest
band of up and coming Western Australians.

The Warren Jones International Youth Regatta is managed by Swan River Sailing,
and hosted this year by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, racing starts Tuesday 31st
January, with the final on Friday 3rd February.

Skippers, 2012 Warren Jones International Youth Regatta.

Skipper

Jordan Reece       Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (AUS)
David Chapman    Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (AUS)
David Gilmour      Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS)
Jay Griffin            Cruising Yacht Club Australia (AUS)
Tim Coltman        Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club (NZL)
Josh Junior          Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club (NZL)
Tristan Brown      Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS)
Sam Gilmour       Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS)
Noaki Ichino        Japan Yacht Match-Racing Assoc (JPN)

- John Roberson