Laser Standard World Grand Masters 2011 title to Colin Dibb

by Yachting WA on 25 Sep 2011 Armed to the hilt with a string of titles including the recent 2011 Australian Laser Grand Master title secured at the Nationals in Port Stephens, NSW earlier this year, Colin Dibb has easily secured the 2011 Standard World Grand Masters in San Francisco Bay.

Known for big winds, steep waves and challenging currents the conditions in San Francisco didn’t disappoint sailors with an easy ride, in fact postponements due to no wind immediately followed by 20 knots of wind with giant waves at least six to eight feet provided the adrenalin rush promised by the event organisers.

WA's Colin Dibb has sailed and mastered lakes and oceans around the world. He commenced sailing in 1965 on Durban harbour, South Africa and has been sailing Lasers since 1974 during which time he has represented South Africa and Australia at numerous Laser World Championships.

In 1980 he achieved his Springbok colours – the highest achievement in sport in South Africa and in 2005 he won the Yachting WA acclaimed Sailor of the Year Award. In a nail biting end to the Worlds Colin Dibb secured his title in the Standard Grand Masters against the highly regarded Peter Vassella from the host club, St Francis Yacht Club. 'We battled it out in both races,' Dibb said.

'I managed to get the Dominican (Jorge Abreu) between us in the first race, and Lars (Hanson, USA) between us in the second, just to give me a few extra points. It was just a great day!' Dibb said with one of his ear to ear smiles. Vessella finished in second and Malcolm Courts (GBR) in third.

Once again his physical training, meticulous technical preparation combined with nearly 37 years experience in the Laser class won through against a highly competitive international fleet representing the largest dinghy sailing class in the world.