By FIONA McIlroy
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron youth crew to compete in a matchracing regatta in California next month includes one old hand and a couple of bright prospects.
Simon Minoprio, aged 18, will helm the crew in the 35th Governors Cup at the Balboa Yacht Club, where he came
fourth equal last year.
His crew comprises fellow Aucklander Ryan Houston, 18, on mainsail, and newcomer David Ferris, 19, of the Bay of Islands, on bow.
Assistant coach Sara Roberts said the international regatta had fallen quickly on the squadron. Their new season started in May with fleet competition, rather than matchracing.
"So the team selection is based a lot on knowledge from last year," Roberts said.
"We are happy with the team, we like the look of them on the water so far."
The three have only one day's practice to adapt to the Santana 20 boats being used in the American regatta.
The Santana class is wider in the hull and has a smaller sail area than the Elliot 6 boats used by the New Zealanders in regattas and training.
But youth training programme coach Kevin Peet said that although the Santanas were quite different to the Elliot 6s, the boys would cope well because of their attitude, ability and the fact that Minoprio had experience with Santanas.
As skippers in the squadron, the boys have not sailed together before, and in building up to the regatta will train four extra sessions a week on top of weekend squadron racing.
Training partners for the crew include other youth squadron crews and previous squadron sailors.
They include Team New Zealand members Mark Kroening and Cameron Appleton, each with their own crew.
The regatta runs from July 16-22.
