The Women’s Match Racing World Championships, held from December 5th to 8th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, brought together six teams from across the globe to compete in the prestigious event. Hosted by the Saudi Sailing Federation and the Jeddah Yacht Club, the championship saw competitors navigating FarEast 28 keelboats along the eastern shores of the Red Sea. Among the standout performers was New Zealand’s Megan Thomson and her determined crew, who battled their way to an impressive second-place finish.
A global stage for Women’s Match Racing
Taking place just after the Youth Racing World Championships in the same location, the Women’s Match Racing World Championships showcased top-tier sailing talent in challenging conditions. The event consisted of three Round Robin stages, Semi-finals, and Finals, testing the sailors’ tactical acumen, team coordination, and adaptability to the unique Red Sea environment.
Representing New Zealand, Megan Thomson and her team—Charlotte Porter, Josefin Andres, Anna Merchant, and Tiana Wittey—joined the elite competition. They faced some of the best in the world, including the eventual champions, France’s Pauline Courtois and her highly skilled crew.
The Kiwi contingent’s journey
The competition began with the Round Robin stages, where each team raced against every other team in a series of head-to-head matches. Thomson’s team held their own, finishing third overall with an 8–7 record. This positioned them as strong contenders heading into the Semi-finals.
In a thrilling Semi-final matchup, the New Zealanders faced Sweden’s Anna Östling, a formidable sailor with a seasoned crew. It was a close contest, with Thomson’s team narrowly edging out the Swedes 3–2. This victory secured their place in the Finals and a shot at the championship title.
Facing the champions
The Finals pitted Thomson’s team against France’s Pauline Courtois, who had dominated the competition with an unbeaten record in the Round Robins. Despite their best efforts and tactical precision, Thomson and her crew were unable to overcome the French team’s prowess, finishing the series 0–3.
Though the gold eluded them, Thomson and her team’s silver-medal finish was a remarkable achievement, especially against such strong international competition. Their performance showcased not only their skill and determination but also the growing strength of women’s sailing in New Zealand.
Pride for New Zealand sailing
Megan Thomson’s performance in Jeddah adds to a proud legacy of Kiwi sailors excelling on the global stage. Competing in such an elite field and securing a runner-up position reflects the team’s hard work, strategic thinking, and resilience under pressure.
Thomson’s journey at the Women’s Match Racing World Championships is an inspiring example for aspiring sailors back home. The experience and exposure gained at this level will undoubtedly serve her and her crew well in future competitions.
The team from Boating New Zealand congratulate Megan, Charlotte, Josefin, Anna, and Tiana on matches well raced and an outcome that makes us proud to be Kiwis.
