Hail the New King

It was a difficult week of sailing for our team of World Championship sailors in Split, Croatia, with fluky winds resulting in long days on the water and only 6 or 7 races sailed.

But there were no complaints from at least one of our team members because we have a new World Champion!  Martin White won the well-deserved title in a large and competitive fleet with a convincing 7-point lead over a hard charging Italian who came prepared with his own support boat and coach.  Our Learn to Race program at Double Bay Sailing Club has just entered a new league, and the phones have been running hot with applicants.

Martin White on the Winner's Podium

Mark Bethwaite narrowly missed out on his 13th World Champion title (of which he already has 10 in the Laser class), coming second by an agonising one point to his German rival.  Our other team members, Rod Barnes, Mike Dunne, Gerry Donohoe, Richard George, Simon Stone and Pat Levy, all had a great time, and were frequently spotted training in the pub.

Our new club coach, Brett Beyer, came away with his 12th Laser World Champion title, equalling the record by any sailor. Our good friend, Rob Lowndes, achieved a very credible second after leading for the early part of the event.