Defending champion Michael Coxon (Casio Seapathfinder) retained his crown after taking out the final heat of the Computer Associates Australian Championship on Sydney Harbour today.

Coxon and his crew of Aaron Links and Nathan Ellis looked out of contention early in the race when they were midfield in the 20-boat fleet, but a brilliant tactical move on the third beat to windward turned their fortunes around completely. They grabbed the lead at the Watsons Bay mark and were untroubled to hold on to the lead over the concluding legs of the course.

Casio went on to defeat Asko Appliances (Hugh Stodart) by 1min 5secs with AAPT AAPT (Sean Langman) a further 1sec back in third place.

Final standings in the championship were Casio 11.25 points, Omega Smeg 14 points, AAPT 17, Asko 18, Club Marine 22 and Ssangyong Yandoo 23 points.

Results

Skiff Elapsed Time, Handicap Place, Aust Points

1 Casio Seapathfinder 1:28.45 7th 11.25 (1st)

2 Asko Appliances 1:29:50 16th 18.0

3 AAPT 1:29:51 8th 17.0 (3rd)

4 Omega Smeg 11th 14.0 (2nd)

5 Rag & Famish Hotel 6th 38.0

6 Club Marine 20th 22.0

7 Ssangyong Yandoo 17th 23.0

8 Maytag 15th 30.0

9 Team Morrison 2nd 58.0

10 Belle Property 5th 53.0

11 Computer Associates 14th 29.0

12 Fisher & Paykel 9th 45.0

13 SX Projects 13th 64.0

14 Churchills Sports Bar 3rd 76.0

15 Team Pomfret 1st 78.0

16 CST Composites 18th 65.0

17 Panasonic 19th 52.0

18 Adtec Communications 4th 75.0

19 Rosemount 12th 86.0

20 Aristocrat 9th 96.0