Hyundai sailor Murdoch holds NZ title

There’s no beating Hyundai’s Andrew Murdoch, the Olympic Laser sailor.

The 28-year-old from Kerikeri has successfully defended his New Zealand title, against tough opposition in weather conditions which threatened to wreck the contest at Torbay on Auckland’s North Shore.

In one of the closest finishes in memory, only three points separated the top four sailors, Andrew taking it on count back from rising under-21 sailor Sam Meech of Tauranga.

Right on their stern was Josh Junior of Worser Bay and Andy Maloney from Murray’s Bay.

All four are members of the national elite squad bidding for the solo spot representing New Zealand at next year’s London Olympics.
“It was one of the toughest regattas I’ve sailed in New Zealand,” commented Auckland-based Murdoch, a full-time yachtsman supported by Hyundai New Zealand.

“Day one was crazy with those storm conditions and really it didn’t let up right throughout.”

“The young guys kept me right on my mettle and clearly there’s going to be very tough competition for that one spot for Olympics.”

Andrew is a graduate of Hyundai’s Pinnacle programme and was the New Zealand representative at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, another regatta wrecked by weather and in which he finished fifth.

Hyundai New Zealand is deeply involved in community sponsorship, from surfing, to the Spirit of Adventure Trust to elite athletes. As a 100 percent locally-owned and operated operation, the company takes immense pride in being able to support the people and organisations that make our country a great place to live.

ENDS

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