By JULIE ASH
Kerikeri High School had reason to celebrate yesterday as the New Zealand sailing team returned home after successfully defending their title at the International Sailing Federation world open team racing championships in the Czech Republic.
The six-strong New Zealand team, made up of past and present Kerikeri High
School students, edged out USA2 in the round-robin competition to retain the title they won in 1999 in Ireland.
New Zealand captain Andrew Murdoch, along with his brother Hamish, Karen Lambert and Andrew Arden, were part of the team who won the event in 1999, and all returned this year to defend their title in the 420s.
"We always went over there to win, we certainly didn't have any intention of losing," 19-year-old Andrew Murdoch said.
"The competition was different in certain areas from last year," he said.
"There were lighter breezes this time and it was hotter, and when the boats aren't moving so fast it can become a bit nerve-racking."
But it's not just Kerikeri High School that connects the young New Zealand team.
Coached by Derry Godbert, the team include the Murdochs and their cousin, Jeffery Clark.
Andrew and Hamish's dad Jim is the team manager and their sister Rebecca was part of the 1999 winning team.
"It's a real family affair," said Rebecca, who was at the airport to welcome her family home. "We have always been a competitive family."
Hamish, his father and Godbert are on holiday in England and return home next week
Josh Gailbraith is the other member of the New Zealand team.
Kerikeri High School principal Elizabeth Forgie said the school has a proud sailing history.
They have won the national secondary schools team racing title six times in the past nine years.
"I think they [the pupils] get a wonderful start with the Kerikeri Cruising Club and Derry is wonderful. His first love is novice sailing and he just puts so much into it."
The next world team racing championships are in New Zealand in 2003.
"I am not sure who will be back for that," Andrew Murdoch said.
