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Australian sailing legend and Zhik Ambassador John Bertrand and his crew Andrew Palfry and Tom Slingsby wrapped up the 2010 Etchells World Championship title in some style at Howth today (Saturday 28th) with his fifth bullet in eight races and without even needing to sail the final race of the series.
The Royal Brighton Yacht Club crew remained totally focused throughout the regatta and five firsts represented a stunning level of consistency at this level. Nearest rival Ante Razmilovic suffered gear problems before the start of the first race of the final day which forced them ashore to effect repairs. Fortunately for them, there was a general recall which gave them time to reach the re-start on time but they had a poor race to finish mid-fleet. With Bertrand taking line honours again, it was all over for the Royal Hong Kong YC team.
For Bertrand, it is the fulfilment of a dream to win a one-design class world championship to add to his Olympic bronze medal of 1976 and his famous America’s Cup triumph 27 years ago. He practised on the race track for weeks before the event and his attention to detail was phenomenal, so the eventual outcome was the result of exceptional planning allied to technique, tactics and sheer sailing skill by the Aussie trio.
"We have been following John throughout his campaign, and were very impressed with his attention to detail", said Bart Milczarczyk, Design manager at Zhik, "Andrew Palfrey relayed this detail to us, including special technical apparel requirements down to the last gram. We worked with the team closely to be sure he got exactly what he needed".
Etchells World Championship – overall places:
1. John Bertrand/Andrew Palfry/Tom Slingsby (Australia) – 23 points
2. Ante Razmilovic/Mike Wolfs/Chris Larson (Britain) – 35 points
3. Damien King/Simon Cunnington/Andy Butler/James Ware (Australia) – 48 points
4. Eamonn O’Nolan/John Gimson/Kinley Fowler/Rachel Williamson (Britain) – 55 points
5. Jake Gunther/John Collingwood/Ben Morrison-Jack (Australia) – 55 points
6. Jud Smith/Kurt Winklemann/Brad Boston (USA) – 61 points
