The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

The final races in Pornichet took place in a light southerly of 5-7 knots, but that did nothing to stop the progress of 21 year old MIRSKY, sailing with Kinley FOWLER, Tudur OWEN and Graeme SPENCE. After coming back from 1-0 down to beat Damien IEHL (FRA) in the semi-final, he repeated the feat against Areva Challenge helm COL to announce his arrival of the world match racing scene.

'It was an excellent day, and we really sailed very well,'

said the new holder of the Manu Minard Trophy, before revealing it is the first time he had sailed on the J/80s used in Pornichet. He added, 'We are not accustomed to doing many Grade 1 events and we were very happy to be invited. The organization of the event was perfect and from now on we want to return every year!'

World #2 Mathieu RICHARD (FRA) did not have his best event, finishing seventh overall, but still had plenty of praise for the young Australian stars. 'Torvar is really the revelation of the regatta,' he said. 'It is a new crew full of potential which has sailed exceptionally well from the first day to the last.'

In the petit-final Eugeniy NEUGODNIKOV (RUS) defeated Damien IEHL (FRA) 2-0 to take third overall.