A day of decisive races
The journey to the Finals was anything but straightforward. Emerging from a fiercely competitive Quarter-final round were four exceptional teams: New Zealand’s Josh Hyde, Australia’s Cole Tapper, France’s Ange Delerce, and Sweden’s Marius Westerlind.
In the Semi-finals, the intensity reached its peak. France’s Delerce faced off against Sweden’s Westerlind in a nail-biting series that ended 3-2 in favour of the French skipper. Delerce’s strategic decisions in close quarters were crucial, as was his team’s composure under pressure. On the other side of the bracket, the much-anticipated Australia–New Zealand clash saw Tapper’s crew dominate Hyde’s team, achieving a clean 3-0 sweep with clinical precision in starts and tactical consistency on the course.
Demi-finals: Sweden’s redemption
The best-of-three Demi-finals between Sweden’s Westerlind and New Zealand’s Hyde provided a stage for resilience. Westerlind, whose team entered the tournament as a dark horse ranked well below the three other Semi-finalists, outmanoeuvred Hyde’s higher-ranked crew, winning 2-0. Sweden’s performance highlighted Westerlind’s tactical growth throughout the championship and marked a significant achievement for his team, securing the bronze medal.
Finals: Australian excellence
The Finals pitted Australia’s Tapper against France’s Delerce in a best-of-five showdown. From the first whistle, Tapper’s team displayed dominance, leveraging their superior coordination and mastery of wind conditions. The Australians swept the series 3-0, leaving no doubt about their supremacy. Tapper’s ability to anticipate his rival’s strategies, coupled with flawless crew execution, underscored why his team entered as strong contenders and exited as champions.
Pre-event rankings and final standings
Rankings before the event painted a picture of expected outcomes, but the final results added twists to the tale. New Zealand’s Hyde entered as the top seed, followed by Australia’s Tapper, France’s Timothée Ross, and Ange Delerce. Westerlind’s 10th-place ranking seemed distant from the podium, yet his team’s grit and adaptability led them to third place. Ross’s earlier elimination created space for other competitors to rise, while Delerce’s journey to the Finals showcased France’s strength in youth match racing.
Final standings:
- Cole Tapper (Australia) – Hamish Vass, Jack Frewin, Joel Beashel, Chelsea Williams
- Ange Delerce (France) – Julia D’Amodio, Julien Bunel, Sylvestre De Giuli Morghen, Thomas Flachon Sanchez
- Marius Westerlind (Sweden) – Emil Wolfgang, Malcolm Björsson, Martina Carlsson, Nils Westerlind
- Josh Hyde (New Zealand) – [New Zealand crew details to be confirmed]
Lessons and legacy
The 2024 Youth Match Racing Championships offered more than just results—it highlighted the evolving nature of competitive sailing. Tapper’s victory reflected Australia’s long-standing excellence in match racing, while Delerce and Westerlind exemplified perseverance and growth. Hyde’s fourth-place finish, though disappointing given his pre-event ranking, remains a testament to the strength of New Zealand’s youth sailing programme.
The event also reinforced the importance of preparation, adaptability, and teamwork. Whether it was Westerlind’s rise from lower seeding or Tapper’s clean sweep in the Finals, each race showcased the unpredictability and excitement that defines match racing.
As the young sailors return to their respective waters, the experiences of Jeddah will undoubtedly shape their futures. For now, the world celebrates their achievements and anticipates the next wave of talent ready to challenge the tides.
