Yachting: Monsoon Cup next step in grand plan

Phil Robertson. Photo / Korea Match Cup

Phil Robertson could be the next big thing in New Zealand match race sailing. In the best traditions of Chris Dickson, Russell Coutts, Dean Barker and Adam Minoprio, the 23-year-old is making his mark at a young age.

Last week, as skipper of Waka Match Racing, Robertson and his crew took out the Asian match racing championships for the second consecutive year, qualifying for the prestigious Monsoon Cup next month.

They won 14 of 16 races in the round robin and beat compatriot Reuben Corbett 2-0 in the semifinal.

David Gilmour was their opponent in the final. No, not the iconic Pink Floyd singer, but the son of legendary Australian helmsman Peter Gilmour. Gilmour was favourite, having prevailed both times in the round robin clashes, but the Kiwis swept the series 2-0.

"We knew his weaknesses and the earlier defeats had been due to stupid errors."

Minoprio, the reigning world match racing champion, was the last to win the Asian championship twice in a row and Robertson can't wait to face his "great mate" in Malaysia.

"He set the path and we have used his model. It would be great to beat him."

Robertson and his team-mates Garth Ellingham, James Williamson and Sam Bell threw in their jobs last year to try their luck sailing full time. It has been a difficult year.

"Last year we had nothing to lose. This year there were more expectations and we have often been just missing out.

"But if you lose, you don't lose the experience."

They won the Knickerbocker Cup in New York and claimed the Korean Match Cup. The most bizarre experience was in the European Sailing Championships in Belgrade. There were 22 boats racing, with three to four knots of current, on a river "not much wider than the Waikato". Robertson placed second though admits it was some of the "worst sailing" he has ever done.

They haven't had a base this year, relying on London friends to put them up. In 2011 they plan to have a base, and Sweden is looking likely.

Budgets have been tight: "We always know where the best kebabs are in each town," laughs Robertson, and they have been living off bread and butter, or beans on toast.

Like Minoprio, Robertson prides himself on being calm in a storm.

"I am fairly relaxed. I try not to take myself too seriously and know I can perform under pressure. I am becoming more aggressive as a sailor - if you aren't you get slammed."

Robertson's long term ambition is the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race. Next year they hope to be on the World Match Racing Tour, notwithstanding the estimated $240,000 for a campaign.

After Malaysia, the team face Berlin this weekend. Then its back to New Zealand to prepare for the Monsoon Cup on December 3. They finished sixth last year and Robertson vows to leave "no stone unturned" as they aim for the semifinals .