Paul Goodison back in form to win Laser class
by Di Pearson on 18 Jan 2004
Michael Blackburn - Laser Class Katrina Butler
With Sandringham Yacht Club race officials calling off racing in some classes today, including the Laser class, due to strengthening wind conditions on Port Phillip Bay, Paul Goodison (GBR), has won the Laser class at the Sail Melbourne Regatta this afternoon.
Goodison took a break from sailing, saying he had ‘become tired and was no longer interested,’ but after some time out, regrouped and this week proved that time away had done no harm but a lot of good. He finished the eight race series with 12 points, four wins included in that total.
Brendan Casey (AUS) continued some of his best performances for some time, coming home second with 24 points.
Michael Blackburn (AUS) finished in third place overall with 26 points, the Sydneysider coming down with cold during the week. Despite not feeling well, Blackburn said he was ‘just relieved my final Olympic qualifier is finally over and I finished in the top 25, which is what I had to do to get to Athens.’
Casey, from Queensland and Blackburn were the two Australian hopefuls for selection, Casey brought home varied results while Blackburn stayed at the top end, but at their last two regattas, Casey has found his way again.
Tom Slingsby (AUS) won fourth place on count back from Mark Howard (GBR) on equal points of 28.
The Laser fleet consisted of 33 competitors from 11nations including a number of the world top ranked sailors.
The host, Sandringham Yacht Club, will hold a prize giving tonight.
For full information, results and photos go to: www.sailmelbourne.com.au
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