Sailors from Tahiti edged over Rarotonga, proving to be very competitive taking out first place in both the Lasers and the Optimist classes, winning the 2024 sailing challenge overall trophy.

The Rarotonga - Tahiti Challenge had sailors competing in the Optimist Class, Laser 4.7 Class and Vaka from October 21 – 25 hosted by the Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC).

Out in Muri lagoon, Tahiti were pushed all the way by Rarotonga sailors with only one point separating the first and second place in the lasers and some very tight racing in the optimist class.

Mehiti Bax de Keating from the Tahiti Yacht Club managed to finish one point ahead of Rarotonga’s Maya Postrzygacz in the Laser series.

Bax de Keating expressed she was “happy” winning her race battling against Postrzygacz. “It was a difficult but good battle with Maya on the water. I feel lucky to finish first,” she said.

The Tahiti coaches Jessee Besson and Gillies de Preville were both pleased with the regatta and exchanges between both clubs.

 “We are happy not only to win the trophy but to be here to have another connection with Rarotonga, that’s the most important thing,” Besson said.

Jacobo Miquel, RSC coach and Race Officer, was pleased to see all twelve races were completed and the series done, and with the performance from the local sailors.

“They did very good work on the water, the training has been good for them and the strong winds have been good for them,” said Miquel.

“This is very special for us. I'm happy.”

Chris Fenwick, RSC executive members says the experience has been great for all the sailors who learnt a lot during the regatta that they can take forward into their future races and regattas.

“Overall, it was a very successful regatta and it was fantastic to host the visiting sailors from Tahiti,” he said.

Fenwick explained the sailors experienced a wide range of weather conditions during the week that ranged from light northerly winds on Monday, a moderate southwest breeze on Tuesday, to a strong south easterly that settled in for the final two days of racing. 

Fenwick said the team from Tahiti were a “great” group to host.

“We enjoyed having them here in Rarotonga - not only was the racing great but we also enjoyed their friendship. We can't wait to meet up with the Tahitian sailors again soon.”

The Rarotonga Sailing Club team were Lasers: Maya Postrzygacz, Olivia Postrzygacz, Klassje Nia, Niva Malcolm. Optimist: Edmound Postrzygacz, John Hoff, Mia Fenwick, Amelie Fenwick, Duke Burgess, Tangi Tupuna Tauakume, Avaiki Williams.

The Tahiti Yacht Club team were: Mehiti Bax de Keating, Teiva Bax de Keating, Akihei Baniel, Matys Rispal, Eliott Legendre Moll, Hoani Samba Tome, Manua le chevalier de preville ducrot, Lilie le chevalier de preville ducrot.

It has been almost 10 years since the Tahiti -Rarotonga Sailing Challenge was held. Rarotonga are looking forward to attending the next challenge next year in April 2025.