Paul sails to world crown

The 36-year-old, who has already had Olympic gold and World Championship success in lasers, was part of the three-man crew which won the latest title at Lake Garda.

And now he's hoping to be involved in a fourth success in December when the eight-man Melges 32 series takes place in Miami.

Goodison was tactician for the Samba Pi Ti boat skippered by American ace John Kilroy and, along with third man Jeff Reynolds, they proved they deserved the title affter four days of racing and no worse than a fourteenth in a fleet of fifty-seven entries. The team excelled in almost every condition and under a wide variety of pressure.

They had to fend off a thrilling late challenge from their nearest rivals Malascone Latino, especially when the Italians mounted strong blocking tactics in the last race to pin Goodison's team back at the wronmg end of the pack.

But the former Brinsworth Comprehensive student dug deep tactically — learned from his two decades of laser racing — and Samba Pi Ti broke loose and then shot from 56th place to win at the death and wrap up the championship.

Said Paul's dad Roy, who lives in Greasbrough: "It was a real thriller at the end but they managed to get the result they needed."