Coxon pulls it off

A report from the final round of the 18ft skiffs Computer Associates Australian Championship in Sydney

Defending champion Michael Coxon on Casio Seapathfinder retained his crown after taking out the final heat of the Computer Associates Australian Championship on Sydney Harbour.

Coxon and his crew of Aaron Links and Nathan Ellis looked out of contention early in the race when they were midfield in the 20-boat fleet, but a brilliant tactical move on the third beat to windward turned their fortunes around completely. They grabbed the lead at the Watsons Bay mark and were untroubled to hold on to the lead over the concluding legs of the course.

Casio went on to defeat Hugh Stodart's Asko Appliances by 1min 5secs with AAPT of Sean Langman a further 1sec back in third place.

Final standings in the championship were Casio 11.25 points, Omega Smeg 14 points, AAPT 17, Asko 18, Club Marine 22 and Ssangyong Yandoo 23 points.

Positions:

Pos	Boat	Elapsed Time	Handicap Place	Aust Points
1	Casio Seapathfinder	01:28.5	7th	11.25 (1st)
2	Asko Appliances	01:29:50	16th	18
3	AAPT	01:29:51	8th	17.0 (3rd)
4	Omega Smeg		11th	14.0 (2nd)
5	Rag & Famish Hotel		6th	38
6	Club Marine		20th	22
7	Ssangyong Yandoo		17th	23
8	Maytag		15th	30
9	Team Morrison		2nd	58
10	Belle Property		5th	53
11	Computer Associates		14th	29
12	Fisher & Paykel		9th	45
13	SX Projects		13th	64
14	Churchills Sports Bar		3rd	76
15	Team Pomfret		1st	78
16	CST Composites		18th	65
17	Panasonic		19th	52
18	Adtec Communications		4th	75
19	Rosemount		12th	86
20	Aristocrat		9th	96