Yachting: Corbett optimistic after Korea Match Cup

Rueben Corbett. Photo / Sub Zero images

Things may have not gone to plan for young Kiwi Rueben Corbett at the 2011 Korea Match Cup, but he is remaining optimistic about the rest of the year.

The 23-year-old and his Aon Racing team came to Korea with high hopes of a few upsets, after performing brilliantly at the qualifying event in May.

But his young team only managed to win one of eleven round robin races, including a loss to a local Korean crew ranked far below them.

"It was a tough week," Corbett told the Herald in Korea, "and we had a lot of missed opportunities. These guys punish you for mistakes and I guess it was hard to step up to their level. They have all the tricks - we have some moves too but it is just a matter of executing them consistently."

On the positive side they were one of the few teams to beat double world champion Ian Williams in the round robin, and were pipped on the line by less than three seconds in two other races. They also held leads in several other races without putting in a full consistent race.

Click on the link below to see Michael Burgess' interview with Corbett on following the sun, living on the smell of an oily rag, endless time in airport and his sailing heroes.

Michael Burgess travelled to Korea with the assistance of the World Match Racing Tour.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY