Spain's Martinez and Fernandez new 49er World Champions

3:29 AM Sun 10 Jan 2010 GMT

'Medal Race start - 49er Worlds' Fried Elliott ?

Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernandez of Spain have won their third 49er World Championship ('02, '04, '10) adding to their Olympic Gold medal from Athens in 2004 and Silver medal from Beijing in 2008.

In true championship fashion, Martinez/Fernandez also won today's medal race, held in 8-10 knots. Two-time defending champions Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen from Australia made a strong push by winning both the morning races moving them into 2nd which they held through the final results. Pietro and Gianfranco Sibello of Italy won the bronze.

49er Worlds winners Iker Fernandez & Xabi Martinez, Spain - Fried Elliott _? Click Here to view large photo

The 25 boat gold fleet sailed two races in 16-23 knots which increased to 20-25 for the silver fleet's two races amidst tropical showers. The medal race sailors anticipated the heavy breeze, but unexpectedly the wind dropped to a manageable ten knots.

Full results at www.49erworlds.org

by Jerelyn Biehl