Outstanding champions
Press and Hay undisputed 12ft Skiff Interdominion champions.
Written by Di Pearson
Photography by John Williams
16 January 2019
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The Geotherm crew of Brett Hobson/Jeremy Jones were the undisputed winners of the final race, but NSW sailors Nick Press/Andrew ‘Noddy’ Hay (Sydney Sailmakers) have decisively won the Your Move Conveyancing 12ft Skiff Interdominion, hosted by the Sydney Flying Squadron this past week, their names to be carved on the Silasec Trophy again.
Competing against 34 other crews on Sydney Harbour, this was Press’ eighth Interdominion title, a record number for a skipper and a co-record for a skipper or crew. It was Hay’s second win (his first was with Press in 2017).
“Never, ever, did I think I’d win eight. When I started sailing 12s, Tim Bartlett (currently skipper of Frankenskiff who won six Interdominions in his heyday) was the man. At that stage the dream of winning even one was far away,” Press, the respected Gladesville sailor said.
“During the years a lot of people helped me, my dad (Murray Press), who I crewed for, and previous crews Richard Johns, Brad Yabsley and Andrew Stevenson. They taught me how to race and compete at a high level – and to race against Brett (Hobson) – he makes us better and pushes us – and we push him and Jeremy too.”
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He and Hay are in fine company, with some big names on the previous winners list of this prestigious event: John Chapple (NZL), Dave Porter (NSW), Bruce Farr (NZL) – yes, the famous yacht designer, John Winning (NSW) and Iain Murray (NSW) among them.
Representing Lane Cove 12ft Skiff Sailing Club, Press/Hay won five from 10 races, only straying outside the top three twice. They won the title from Geotherm by four points, the latter getting off to a flying start, claiming the first two races and winning the last, sailed in a beautiful nor’ easter of 10 to 12 knots. They led from go to whoa by a good margin.
“I’m pretty excited about the result and it was nice to do it with Noddy (Hay),” Press said of his crew for the past four seasons.
“We put a lot into it – it’s not as simple as it might look. I got a new boat nine months ago and we spent a lot of time with the rig and Sydney Sailmakers getting it right. We trained hard too – on our own and with others, including Brett. It’s a sense of relief to win.
“It was pretty nice to have good conditions all week – we all had some amazing rides”
On their win, Hay said, “There’s a right way and a wrong way to do things in sport – it’s a team effort – and that’s what we do, we’re a team.” And it is plain to see the pair is very in tune with each other on the water.
The 2020 Interdominion will be held in New Zealand next January.
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