Laser - Masters World Championship 2010 - Hayling Island GBR - Day 6 - Leith NZL, Wilkins GBR win their classes

The penultimate day at the Laser Masters Worlds in Hayling Island GBR was a wild one, elating to some, frustrating to others. Wind speed ranged from 2 to 20 knots and even after the Solent breeze set in the NW gradient mixed things up with big shifts in direction and velocity. Perhaps it was a fitting day for Scott Leith NZL to successfully conclude his quest for the championship in the Radial Apprentice, which he did with a 2 and 3 day (discarding his third!) to ice the win with a day to spare. Only half a notch less impressive is runner up Jean-Christophe Leydet FRA, who counts only top-four finishes and will pick up Silver at the ceremony today. The fight from Bronze is still alive with Mathias Bruehl GER and Ian Jones GBR tied. Also in the clear is Laser legend Keith Wilkins GBR in the Radial Great Grand Masters, collecting his umpteenth title across all Masters classes. A 4/5 score line yesterday ensured he’ll be watching from shore today. Silver seems safe with Wilkins’ counterpart Peter Seidenberg USA, who now holds a 10-point lead over Johan Stam NED. In the Radial Masters Steve Cockerill GBR holds all cards with a 9-point cushion over Joao Ramos BRA and a forecast that promises robust SW for today. Alden Shattuck USA proved to be master of the swirls yesterday. By posting a 1/2 on Saturday, he took firm control of the Radial Grand Masters. Behind him, Lyndall Patterson AUS and Bruce Martinson USA will decide the rest of the podium with an outside chance for Kevin Pearson GBR.
Scott Ferguson USA has turned the tide in his favor on Friday in the Standard Masters Gold fleet and added a 2/1 yesterday to build a 15-point lead over Arnoud Hummel NED. Barred any disasters, Ferguson looks to defend his 2009 title here. John Bertrand USA staggered to a 27th place finish in Race 8 and will need a good last day to get back on the podium. Equally clear ahead is Brett Beyer AUS in Standard Apprentice, but Jyrki Talminen FIN who surged with a first and second yesterday, will keep up the pressure. Adonis Bougouris GRE still holds on to third and will look forward to stronger breeze of the final day. In the Standard GM, Wolfgang Gerz GER holds an 18-point lead over Peter Sherwin GBR and is all but assured of winning the 2010 title. Sherwin will be busy today fending off Peter Vesella USA, who is only two points behind and likes the breeze that is expected. The report and all results.