Volvo Musto Optimist Nationals at Pwllheli - Overall

Final race determines outcome between Phil Sparks and Aaron Smith

The Junior and Senior fleets launched in a lighter 10-15 knots north west breeze for the final day, with just one race left to complete the series of 12.

In the Senior Fleet Phil Sparks (Royal Lymington) and Aaron Smith (Papercourt) had been battling it out all week, vying for the prestigious title of National Champion. Although on the previous day Phil had regained the lead by 5 points, there was still all to play for and nerves of steel were required.

Having both managed a good start Phil and Aaron sailed the first beat playing the shifts to maximum effect, with Phil expertly covering Aaron at every stage. By the first windward mark they were in second and third positions respectively, with James Grant (Restronguet) who had also had a great day on Thursday, leading the race. At the leeward gate Phil took a risk by going left with half the fleet, leaving Aaron to go right with the other half, but luckily for Phil when they met again half way up the second beat their relative positions had not changed. Then on the run the jury yelllow flagged James and whilst he completed his 720, Phil was able to get past thus putting another point between himself and Aaron still in third. Phil then had only a short distance to hold his nerve and go on to finish in first place. Phil was thus confirmed as National Champion for the second consecutive year on 18 points, followed by Aaron in second (25 points) and James in third (45 points), with Henry Lloyd Williams (Royal Lymington, 93 points) holding onto his well deserved fourth place after the best week's racing of his career.

Colin Rainback Assistant PRO said: "The last race was a really exemplary one for the leaders, conducted under a supremely high quality level of sportsmanship. A fitting finale to a great week's racing."

In the Junior Fleet, David Grant (Restronguet SC) who had a race in hand to win the Juniors could enjoy a much more relaxed final race. In fact he finished in second place to Tim Gratton (Hayling Island) in first, with Gilly Sutcliffe (Royal Lymington) in third. Final positions were thus David comfortably first with 22 points, Jamie Aplin (Royal St George YC) in second (37 points) and Killian O'Keefe from Ireland (Royal Cork) just stealing third place (58 points) from Tom Britz (Royal Lymington) in fourth (62 points).

Overall Results:

Full results can be found at www.optimistsailing.org.uk/new/events/Nationals2006.html