Casali new champion

Andrea Casali adds the World title to his Italian Nationals win at the J/24 Worlds in Sardinia

At the J/24 World Championship in. Cannigione, Sardinia, Friday 13 lived up to its reputation.

A lucky day for the 2008 World Champion, Andrea Casale and the team of Fiamma Gialla, back in the water after a collision repair. But not so lucky for Canadian, Rossi Milev, sailing Class Chairman Bob Turner's boat, Serco Headcase or Britain's Ian Southworth, sailing Inmarsat Hedgehog!

Both crews were looking to attack the leader's point margin in the two final races. But it was not to be.

The day started with Mistral winds at 28 mph building to 40 mph. Sadly there has been no racing today, and overnight positions remain unchanged. Milev of Canada is second with Southworth of Great Britain third.

Comments Class Chairman Bob Turner: "we have enjoyed bringing together a British boat, with British preparation, to partner our Canadian friend to a well deserved result. We congratulate Andrea Casale on a well deserved win".

As in Melbourne in 2006, Ian Southworth and crew have had to settle for third place when racing was abandoned due to high winds.

Said Ian: "We have equalled our best position to date and have learned from tactical errors. We are delighted to be the first British-helmed boat and congratulate Andrea on a well-deserved winn whilst remaining in awe of Bob Turner's crew meteorologist and of Rossi's consistent quality sailing!"

The 2009 World Championship wll be held next May in Annapolis . Maryland, USA.