As we gather for another outstanding week of youth match racing on Pittwater, it’s fitting to reflect on the remarkable history of this event — the champions who have shaped it, the clubs who have supported it, and the legacy it continues to build.
This regatta carries with it one of our Club’s most meaningful trophies — the Rockin’ Robin Trophy.
Donated by Robyn Wiltshire in memory of her husband Grant, their son Robert, and fellow RPAYC members Andrew Young and Jeff Smith, all tragically lost aboard Rockin’ Robin on passage to Fiji in 1990, the trophy stands as a symbol of courage, community, and the deep connections our sport creates. Every team that lifts this trophy honours their story. Since 1992, this event has produced an extraordinary roll call of champions — sailors who have gone on to the America’s Cup, SailGP, world championships, Olympic campaigns and leadership roles across the sport.
The club tally tells its own story:
• RNZYS leads with 9 wins, reflecting the tremendous depth of New Zealand match racing.
• RPAYC follows proudly with 8 victories, including the Spithill siblings, Milly Bennett, Tom Spithill, and most recently Daniel Kemp.
• CYCA has 5 wins, RSYS has 3, RFBYC has 2 — and we also celebrate champions from RPNYC, RPYC, and Japan. These champions — from Michael Dunstan, Seve Jarvin and Torvar Mirsky, to Chris Steele, Jordan Stevenson, Will Boulden and Alastair Gifford — form the backbone of this event’s legacy. Their achievements continue to inspire the sailors lining up today.
The 2025 Competitors:
This year maintains that extraordinary standard.
Our ten teams represent the best of Australia and New Zealand, along with strong regional programs:
- Daniel Kemp (RPAYC) – defending champion, World Sailing #2
- Ethan, Zach Fong, Robbie Wooldridge, Samuel Scott (RNZYS) – the formidable Kiwi pathway in full force
- James Hayhoe and Harriett McLachlan (RSYS) – disciplined and rapidly developing
- Ben Crafoord (CYCA) – aggressive, fast, and tactically sharp
- Mia Lovelady (RFBYC) – a standout from Western Australia
- Louis Tilly (RPAYC) – part of Alfred’s next generation of match-racing talent
Any one of these teams has the potential to add their name to the Rockin’ Robin Trophy.
Race Management & Umpire Team:
We are very pleased to have Principal Race Officer Ted Anderson leading our on-water team this week. Ted’s steady, professional approach will set the tone for what promises to be a superb few days of racing on Pittwater. We are also delighted to welcome an outstanding international umpire team, headed by Chief Umpire Richard Slater (AUS).
He is joined by:
- Katie Maxim (USA)
- Ryan Parkin (NZL)
- John Whitfield (AUS)
- Rob Armstrong (AUS)
- Robyn Tames (AUS)
- Richard Hudson (AUS)
- Simon Barrington (AUS)
- Erica Kirby (AUS)
- Steve Hatch (AUS)
Having officials from Australia, the United States, New Zealand and France highlights both the reputation and reach of this regatta.
Our volunteers again play a crucial role. On the start boat:
- Ted Anderson – Race Officer
- Steve Howe – Assistant RO
- Debbie Holder – Spotter
- Bruce Lakin & Estelle Tilly – Flags
- Leanne Holdsworth – Scribe
- Andrene Bullough – Timer
Alongside our mark boat crews, support vessels, shore teams, and billeting families, they ensure this regatta runs smoothly from the first warning signal to the last.
Community, Clubs and Supporters:
To our billeting families — thank you for opening your homes to our visiting sailors. To our volunteers, who are the backbone of this event — thank you.
To our media partners DownUnderSail and RPAYC Media — thank you for sharing the stories of the week.
And finally, our deep appreciation goes to Harken, and especially Grant Pellew, whose long-term support and belief in youth sailing has helped this event become one of the most respected youth match racing regattas in the world. To the sailors: you are part of a tradition now more than three decades strong. Race hard, race fair, respect your competitors — and enjoy every moment on Pittwater. The champions who came before you began their journey here, just as you are doing today.
Best of luck to all teams competing in the 31st HARKEN International Youth Match Racing Regatta.
Kind regards,
Commodore
Robert McClelland
