8th October 2004
Information Bulletin No. 9
Michael Dunstan on his experience in Europe
Dunstan Wins Australian Match Racing Championship
OzBoyz Challenge in sight of the finishing line!
Michael Dunstan comments on OzBoyz Challenge participation in Europe.
The young OzBoyz Challenge Team with Michael Dunstan at the helm had a tremendous learning experience by competing on the Swedish Match Tour and other international regattas in Europe this year. Michael gives some of his impressions of the learning experience and the sailing during this year.
Michael comments:
It is every young match racer's dream to compete on the Swedish Match Tour, match racing's most prestigious, highest level and richest series of regattas. This year myself and other young Australian sailors were fortunate enough to represent an Australian America's Cup syndicate, OzBoyz Challenge, on the tour and other high level international match racing regattas in Europe.
The core team members were all Australian. They were myself (22 years old, helmsman), Nick Partridge (28, bow/tactics), Ben Morrison-Jack (22, indexsheet) and Wade Morgan (23, trim/mast). Other sailors to sail with us were Seve Jarvin, Paul McKenzie, Glenn Attrill and Jeremy Elliot (GBR).
At the beginning of the season we knew that racing against the world's best sailors, Olympic medallists and highly funded, professional America's Cup teams would be a challenge. As a team we set ourselves some goals, which we are proud to say we have achieved as best we can. First and foremost we wanted to gain the respect of our most fancied opponents and develop confidence in ourselves. This was important to us as a young team because mental strength is such an important factor in success in sailing, especially in match racing. Our second goal was to make sure we made noticeable improvements from regatta to regatta throughout the season. It was important to us that we recognised and learnt from our mistakes and weaknesses.
The team competed at five Swedish Match Tour events - Elba Cup (Italy), Match Race Germany, Swedish Match Cup, Portugal Match Cup and the Danish Open. Racing was always incredibly tough as we jousted teams including Russell Coutts, Peter Gilmour, Gavin Brady, Ed Baird, Peter Holmberg, James Spithill and Bertrand Pace. The highlight of our racing was winning the Danish Youth Match Racing Championships without losing a race, however we have been shown the level we need to attain to race against the worlds best on the international circuit. While the racing is occasionally frustrating and humbling, each of the regattas have been an excellent and enjoyable learning experience, and from each we have gained invaluable experience which we hope to use as we continue towards 2007 with Australia's OzBoyz America's Cup Challenge.
Michael Dunstan
Michael Dunstan Wins Australian Match Racing Championships in Perth
Following on from Michael Dunstan's campaign in Europe he has won the Australian Match Racing Championships sailed on the Swan River in Perth in September. Michael won the final from Simon Minoprio of New Zealand and Gordon Lucas won the petite final against Graeme Sutherland of New Zealand.
The results are as follows:
1. MICHAEL DUNSTAN AUS/RSYS
2. SIMON MINOPRIO NZL/RNZYS
3. GORDON LUCAS AUS/RPYC
4. GRAEME SUTHERLAND NZL/RYC
5. BRAD SHERIDAN AUS/RPYC
6. JACKSON DIGNEY AUS/RPYC
7. RICHARD HOWARD AUS/CYCA
8. KEITH SWINTON AUS/SoPYC
OzBoyz Challenge in sight of the finishing line!
Although the OzBoyz Challenge sailing team is not competing in the 2004 Pre Regattas in Marseille and Valencia, the syndicate spokesperson Sebastien Destremau has been active in discussions and meetings in Europe over the past four months.
"It has been very interesting to see how things are coming together in Europe for the 2007 America's Cup. I am originally from the South of France and found it impressive how Marseille came alive when the syndicates descended for Act 1. I hope that OzBoyz Challenge will be part of this amazing event" said Sebastien.
The OzBoyz Challenge has been seeking and negotiating with numerous potential sponsors. The marketing team has assured significant financial commitment from "Epoxy" and "Kevlar" tier sponsors. The index focus is however on securing the necessary major sponsor (Titanium / Carbon) to ensure the ultimate success of the project.
"With a deadline date of the 15th December 'all hands are on deck' to confirm with interested corporates their level of commitment so that the reindexder of the OzBoyz Challenge budget is secured. The finishing line in this race to confirm sponsorship is in sight and we are working hard to cross it victoriously" concluded Sebastien Destremau.
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