Sam also helms a youth match racing team who do a lot of travelling and competing all round the world, mainly in Europe. Through 2008 they picked up a few good results and, in 2009 hope to build on that a bring back some even better results. To do this they are hoping to travel more, especially to some of the events in mainland Europe.
What is Match Racing?
Match racing is a very tactical and strategic form of racing. There are two identical boats in each race with a simple two lap, windward-leeward course. Both boats enter the starting area four minutes before the start and begin a pre-start battle to try and get the better of their opponent, aiming to cross the start line before them. If the umpires decide that one boat has brokon the rules, they are penalized and will then have to complete a penalty turn. Once started, the aim is to use the rules, tide, wind and boat speed to your advantage to either mantain or obtain the lead.
The Team
Name: Sam Goodchild
Position: Helm
Age: 19
When Sam moved to the UK, in 2005, he fairly quickly started match racing as a bowman for the Abingdon School team where he met Rory, Tom and Nick amongst others. He completed two years on the bow and then the team shuffled a bit and he made a big jump to the back of the boat. He enjoys match racing for the close tactical racing and also feels that it helps to increase his boat speed for his other offshore sailing.
Name: Rory Spriggs
Position: Main/Tactician
Age: 17
“I started sailing in dinghies, but quickly realised keelboats were more exciting and varied. Over the last few years my Keelboat sailing has taken off. I have been part of our highly successful Match Racing Team, sailed across the Atlantic and I am the youngest member of the Volvo Keelboat Program, I have specialised in Match Racing because I enjoy the team work and the mix between physical and mental challenge that this racing gives.” Rory.
Name: Tom Altmann
Position: Jib/Trim
Age: 19
“I’m a 19 year old student about to start reading medicine, but I’ve never let my studies get in the way of my sailing! I started sailing with Sam in 29ers back in 2005, soon after we decided move into match racing and have been doing so ever since, going to every event we possibly can do to improve our skills. Match racing completely suites our team’s style of sailing; short, sharp, one on one races that really get your heart pounding. Its also great to watch because you can always tell who’s in the lead! The team element of match racing is very important and its great to have been sailing with the same bunch of guys for the last few years. We all know each other so well now that everything on board happens automatically so we can concentrate 100% on the race.” Tom.
Name: Nick Wilkinson
Position: Bow
Age: 17
“I started sailing 4 years ago, I spent a short time dingy sailing then moved onto the Bow for Abingdon School Match Racing Team the year later as Sam became the match racing helm. Through match racing I realised big boat sailing was more fun and after our successes in 2008 our team and I where set on Match Racing. In 2008 I joined the RYA Keelboat Programme and am trying to widen my match racing skills. The racing is intense and exiting, and we all work well as a team. It is always a challenge and a learning experience.” Nick
