France and Spain winners at Mistral Worlds

by Courtesy ISAF/Sail-World on 22 May 2005 The XXVII Mistral Class World Championships finished today local time in Mondello, Italy, with Nicolas Huguet (FRA) and Blanca Manchon (ESP) crowned the new World Champions of 2005.

Going on results of the past few days, it was fairly obvious that the eventual winners would be crowned, scoring excellent results day after day.

Gusty winds were in evidence throughout the series and the final day was no different with gusty winds coming from a north-westerly direction.

Young Spanish sailor, Blanca Manchon had no cause for concern, having sailed exceptionally throughout the series, taking five bullets in the 11-race series, to finish a clear 13 points ahead of second placed Amelie Lux (GER).

Winning the final race, Flavia Tartaglini (ITA) took Bronze. Lee Korzits (ISR) had to be content with a fourth, earlier on looking like finishing on the podium. Her fourth place equals Korzits’ result at the 2003 Worlds, but is still some way off her career best; her win in Spain of the 2003 Mistral World Championship.

For many competitors, the World Championship marked their first appearance in the class since the Olympic Games in Athens.

In the Men’s event, Nicolas Huguet took the crown, despite a disqualification in today’s final race.

Brazilian Riccardo Santos won the final race, to take second overall, only four points away from the gold medal - A great comeback after his disappointment in Athens. Andreas Cariolou (CYP), who holds an ISAF World Ranking of 10, claimed third overall.

Two Australian’s contested the event, young Corey Plant did a great job in finishing 33rd overall with a best place of 14th at his first major Grade 1 adult competition. His future looks bright. Jonathan Bonnitcha finished 51st, his best finish a 33rd in race seven.

Mens top five final results:

1. FRA Huguet Nicolas 48

2. BRA Santos Ricardo 52

3. CYP Cariolou Andreas 62

4. HKG Chan King Yin 78

5. HKG Ho Chi Ho 89

*33. AUS Plant Corey 291

*51. AUS Bonnitcha Jonathan 373

Womens top five final results:

1. ESP Manchon Blanca 23

2. GER Lux Amelie 36

3. ITA Tartaglini Flavia 46

4. ISR Korzits Lee-El 49

5. HKG Chan Wai Kei 55

Full results: www.albaria.com