Threesy does it Down Under (From Dorset Echo)

Threesy does it Down Under

8:28am Monday 12th December 2011 in News

GILES Scott added the Finn world title to his European crown on a day when three British crews scooped medals across the four finals at the World Championships in Perth.

The Portlander went into the medal race in top spot and despite falling down the order after Denmark’s Jonas Hoegh Christ-ensen worked his way between Scott and nearest challenger Pieter Jan Postma from Holland, the British sailor reeled his competitors back in to take gold.

Skandia Team GBR also secured bronze in the Finn class through Ed Wright.

The defending world champion had a bad start, after re-crossing the startline thinking he was over early, and had to comeback through the fleet to finish the race in fifth and maintain his overall third spot.

The Bournemouth-based sailor was pleased with his podium finish after a tough start to the week.

He said: “I struggled a little bit early on with an OCS so I was on the back foot really from the second day so I’m pretty happy to come away with a bronze.

“It’s amazing how everyone just keeps on improving and improving (in the British Finn squad) and it’s great for Giles to go away with the win. It’s probably better for at least another Brit to win if it can’t be me.”

Completing the set of medals for Skandia Team GBR yesterday with a silver in the 470 men’s class were Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell, who led the medal race from start to finish to claim their second world silver since teaming up in 2009.

“We’re feeling great, we’re really happy,” said Patience. “It’s been a really long week and me and Stuart have worked so hard for this regatta.

“I know we’re not standing on the gold position on the podium but it’s been a hard week and the Australians have sailed fantastically, so we’re happy with a silver medal.”

Today sees the second wave of World Championship action, with the start of racing for the 49er, Laser, RS:X men’s windsurfing and 470 women’s events.

For the latest news and information from Skandia Team GBR visit skandiateamgbr.com

* Ben Ainslie’s campaign for a sixth Finn World Championship title came to an end on Saturday after he was disqualified.

The three-time Olympic champion saw his progress impeded by a media boat on the final downwind leg of race nine, and after the race he boarded the boat to voice his unhappiness at the driver’s actions.

A jury hearing that night found fault from both parties, but disqualified the Skandia Team GBR sailor for gross misconduct.

Ainslie said: “I overreacted to what I thought was a situation where I felt my performance was being severely hindered.

“I’m very sorry that the jury decided to react the way they did over something which really wasn’t as big as it was blown up to be.

“We’ve all apologised to each other.”