LEROY Wins 18th Edition Of BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup

Reigning World Champion Claire LEROY took top honours at the ISAF Grade 1 BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup after a windless final day in Annapolis.

Despite earlier forecasts of 15-20 knots, Saturday’s 18th annual race had winds of under 5 knots for the day, preventing the semi-finals. Claire LEROY (FRA) captured first place, her fifth win of the year, based on the final round robin standings, beating Genevieve TULLOCH (USA). Australian skipper Katie SPITHILL claimed the final podium spot, just beating out Liz BAYLIS (USA) to third.

For LEROY the win in Annapolis is another important step in her preparations for the 2009 ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship in Lysekil, Sweden this July. The French skipper is aiming for her third consecutive World title although she is set to face one of the toughest ever line ups to compete for the World Championship Trophy. Find out more about the ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship at www.sailing.org/wmatchworlds.

Full results at www.santamariacup.org