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Another year, another island

- this time Sicily! The event looked like being another Brit benefit, until, on the last day, Andrea Bonezzi came from behind to take the title, watched by his friends and family.

After a Europeans at Bastad in Sweden (it’s not the word, but how you say it that counts), won by Graham Scott, it was time for another trip to Australia.

With the boats all now sporting the new wonder material, Pro-Grip (how did we manage before??) Chris Burrough again looked the man to beat until Barry Watson, making a one off return to the class in a borrowed boat, snuck through to win yet another title.

Chris Burrough, one of the fastest sailors
never to win the top prize!
 
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Stuart Jones at his best (i.e., not a sheep in sight, nor has he been sick
in the back of his car!) showing top class control at Garda.

With so many new boats around, the Contender fleet tried once more for Olympic glory, yet despite the best efforts of Torkel Lindhal and Frank Havik, the Finn retained the single handed slot and the chance for the Contender to experience greater glories had passed.

No matter, there was still a World Championship to win and with the venue a class favourite, Medemblik, a 100+ boat fleet was assured.

It went to the wire in the last race as Nigel Walbank and Andrea Bonezzi slugged it out in a tacking duel. Whilst they were otherwise engaged, Stuart Jones sneaked through to grab his first Championship win.