Mark Bethwaite dominating Laser Grand Masters

by Peter Campbell on 5 Oct 2007 Another Squadron member sailing exceptionally well on the international scene is Mark Bethwaite, who currently is dominating the 73 boat fleet in the Laser Grand Masters World championship being sailed in Spain.

Bethwaite is a several times past World Champion in the Laser Masters standard rig, being awarded the Idris Cup as RSYS Yachtsman of the Year for 2005-2006.

The prominent Sydney business leader, immediate past president of the Australian National Maritime Museum, and past Olympic sailor has won four of the seven races so far sailed.

In total, some 420 sailors from around the world are taking part in this huge regatta for Master sailors in Laser standard rigs and Laser radial rigs, with Australians leading four groups – Laser Standard Rig Apprentices and Grand Masters and Laser Radial Masters and Grand Masters.

Bethwaite’s scorecard reads 6-1-1-1-1-6-(11) which gives him a net 16 points, five clear of his nearest rival Nissen Michael from Germany. Defending Grand Master World champion Doug Peckover (USA) is currently 12th,

Another Australian, Brett Beyer looks well placed to successfully defend his Laser standard rig Apprentices title with four wins so far - and a discard of a 5th.

In the Laser radial divisions, Australian Greg Adamson is leading the Masters and Peter Heywood the Grand Masers while Kerry Waraker is lying second in the Great Grand Masters.