Murrays Bay sailor Nick Egnot-Johnson kept his nerve on the last day of the Mr Apple Optimist North Island Championships to claim the title.
Light breezes with current meant the second race of the final day in the 109-strong fleet was not finished within the time limit. The series ended with seven races sailed and Nick collected two race wins, and a worst placing of seventh to comfortably take out the title.
Nick did not manage a placing in the New Zealand team to compete at the Optiworlds in Napier in January; selections were made from the top five at the Nationals held at Wakatere at Easter.
Nick does have his eyes set on a spot at the next world event; in 2012 the championship will be held in the Dominican Republic. He attributed his success at the North Islands to “speed and experience”; he managed the light shifty conditions with skill.
With his mother being 1992 Barcelona Olympics silver medallist Leslie Egnot the Northcross Intermediate School student wouldn't be short of quality advice either.
"Yes sailing is a family affair with us ... Dad sails and so does Sophie," he added referring to 11-year-old sister who finished 77th.
Timaru sailor Lola Stoodley had a stand-out regatta at the North Islands, leaping up the rankings to finish second and just seven points adrift of Nick.
The next three spots were taken by New Zealand worlds team members Isaac McHardie, William McKenzie and Markus Somerville.
He was referring to the fact he finished 12th in his first North Island which were staged off Napier in 2009 and 19th last year.
Results can be found at http://www.napiersailingclub.org.nz/images/stories/opti2011open.pdf
