Crackerjack, owned by Keith Miller, took victory after countback following a fiercely competitive Swan 45 Northern European Area Championship. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight last weekend, this third Area Championship of 2004 provided the top level racing.

After two days of windward/leeward racing in conditions ranging from 40kts-6kts, the results were extremely close. The three leading boats were tied on 16 points, forcing the honours to be decided by count-back. McFly, owned by Tony Mack, took second position, with Charles Swingland’s Piper at the Gates of Dawn in third.

Having established a new Swan 45 Northern European Area Champion, Crackerjack and the rest of the Northern European Area fleet will travel to Capri in October to determine the first ever world champion of this competitive one-design class. The inaugural Swan 45 Gold Cup, will take place from 9-15 October, hosted by the Yacht Club Capri and Yacht Club Italiano, in Capri and more than 25 boats are expected to take part.

Overall Results (after six races with one discard)

1. Crackerjack K Miller (1,1,2,4,5,3) 16 points

2. McFly T Mack (4,4,1,1,2) 16 points

3. Piper C Swingland (2,2,5,3,3,1) 16 points