Yachting: Robertson in elite group of match-race champions

Phil Robertson. Photo / Supplied

Phil Robertson was yesterday crowned New Zealand match racing champion, beating Josh Junior 3-1 in the final on the Waitemata Harbour.

He joins notable New Zealand sailing names Dean Barker, Chris Dickson, Gavin Brady and Rod Davis on the list of names engraved on the New Zealand Match Racing Cup.

For the first time in the Telecom-sponsored championships, a strong southerly breeze greeted the four skippers as they headed out yesterday.

In the petit final, William Tiller was 1-0 up on Reuben Corbett. Corbett was too eager to get the match back on level pegging, crossing the start line early and gifting Tiller third place overall.

Robertson started the day knowing he was one-up on Junior, and his crew were determined to increase their 18-match unbeaten streak.

Their matches produced toe-to-toe racing, in conditions more suited to the Wellington-based skipper Junior.

Robertson went 2-0 up when Junior copped a penalty, but Junior regained some ground after a bad kite hoist by Robertson's crew.

However, Robertson and his crew had a great start in the fourth race and won by six seconds.

"We had a lot of fun out there, but it was hard work," Robertson said.

Junior said: "I'm proud of where we finished in the championships. We feel we really stepped it up coming into the finals and we're very pleased with our result ... Coming second for us is a great end to our championships."

Robertson and his crew will contest the Australia Cup in Perth in a final build-up to the Monsoon Cup in Malaysia next month.