Rockal Evans and Mustafa Ingham enjoyed success alongside each other in Act 1 of the Pallas Capital TP52 Gold Cup in New South Wales, Australia, at the weekend.

The Bermudian sailors were part of the crew aboard David Doherty's 52-foot yacht, Matador, which won the regatta on countback.

The reigning champions did just enough to pip nearest rival Smuggler for top honours at the two-day regatta hosted by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to make a perfect start to the defence of the team’s TP52 Gold Cup title.

Doherty’s team posted a 1-4-1-3-2 record in the five race series contested in 8 to 12 knot breezes that made for exciting and close racing on the windward/leeward racecourse.

Those results left them tied with Sebastian Bohm's Smuggler on eleven points but ahead by two on countback, which ultimately separated the two rivals after all was said and done on the water.

Craig Neil's Quest finished a further four points adrift in third to round off the podium among the eight-boat fleet.

Evans was thrilled to play his part in the team’s success and to also have the rare opportunity to compete alongside compatriot Ingham.

“It’s always a pleasure sailing with another Bermudian in Mustafa,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“This was the biggest fleet of TP52s that I have sailed in. A total of eight boats made for some very exciting and tight starting procedures with lots of close calls all over the racetrack, especially around a marker.

“Both days the forecast was overcast with 8-12 knots wind, which made for a close race. Day one we finished with a 1-4-1 and the team was really happy with the result and pushed hard for every inch of the racetrack.”

The regatta remained wide open heading into the final two races on Sunday with Matador topping the leaderboard over nearest rivals Smuggler.

“Coming into day two, we were the team in the lead and, with only two races for the day, we just had to sail smart and defend, and that’s just what we did to walk away with the win,” Evans said.

“The key to victory was definitely teamwork and everyone sticking to their role and being fully focused.”