Sam Pearson wins qualifier title to take part in 2011 RYA National Match Racing Series grand final
An excellent display of sailing skills were put up by Sam Pearson and his crew comprising of Thomas Dawson, Tristan Jaques and Dan Gohl at the 2011 Royal Yachting Association (RYA) National Match Racing qualifying round at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The Pearson
team, after winning the qualifiers, managed to book a place in the upcoming 2011 RYA National Match Racing Series grand final in November.
Weather conditions were perfect for match racing, as a steady eight knots breeze started the sailors’ day. On Day 2, the winds shifted and increased to a challenging 16 to 18 knots for the qualifying round. Poole Sailing Club’s Pearson showed some experienced
racing over the course to make it up to the top mark at the end.
Former RYA National Match Racing Championship finalist, America’s Mason Woodworth finished right behind Pearson on second place while Great Britain’s Ali Hall and crew finished third in the qualifying event.
Pearson and crew took maximum advantage of superb sailing conditions and clinched the RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 1 title in outstanding fashion at Queen Mary Sailing Club, to reserve a place in the Series grand final commencing from November 18-20
at the same venue.
Speaking to local media at the conclusion of the qualifiers round, Pearson said, “Our goal was to reach the finals and to use the weekend as a chance to regroup and train as TeamWightMatch following our bowman Dan’s absence from the Bermuda Gold Cup. It’s
great to win but our main aim was getting into the finals so we are looking ahead to that now.”
The 24-year-old added, “The semi-finals were very tough and a real challenge after going one nil down to Ali Hall. Having to win our next two matches against him to get through to the finals was key to our overall victory. The weekend provided some great
sailing conditions as well as some tough competition. Overall the standard was good and we’re really looking forward to stepping it up a level for the finals in November.”
Results of 2011 RYA National Match Racing Qualifier 1:
1. Sam Pearson
2. Mason Woodworth
3. Ali Hall
4. Matt Greenfield
5. Bleddyn Mon
6. William Goldsmith
7. Alain Renaud
8. Vicki Sheen
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