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by Di Pearson
Squadron member Mark Bethwaite, a 1972 and 1976 Olympic sailor, has retained his Laser Standard Grand Master crown following sixth and second places in the final two races sailed off Terrigal this past week.
Second place has gone to Wolfgang Gerz from Germany, who was only one point behind Bethwaite going into the final day of racing on Saturday.
“It was a day of nips and tucks,” said Bethwaite, whose win gave him his fifth Masters World Championship.
“Wolfgang was after me at the start of the first race. It was a day of trying to stay clear at the start,” Bethwaite said after his victory.
“It was exciting racing. I turned the tables on him and the hunter became the hunted. He came at me again on the last run, but I got him on the last reach.
“I gave him dirty air to hold him out and put two boats between us by the finish. That enabled me to win. Of course I am very happy,” the 59 year old said.
Bethwaite finished his regatta on 20 points, Gerz was second on 22 points and Jack Schlachter, in winning Race 8, placed third on 31 points, just in front of regatta chairman Rob Lowndes from Gosford Sailing Club.
Lowndes second place in Race 8 brought him home fourth overall on 39 points.
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