The Championship took place from June 5th to 15th in Agiois Tychonas, Limassol, Cyprus.

Going into the women’s Medal Race the standings were much closer, with world #1 and Zer02 rider Marina Alabau just four points ahead of World Champion Alessandra Sensini (ITA). At the Worlds on Lake Garda last year, Sensini just edged out Alabau in the tightest of finishes, to win the Medal Race and with it the World Championship, but this time Marina was determined to stay in front of her nemesis.

Marina Alabau hit the start accelerating fast and chose the right-hand side. At the top mark, she was in second place, just behind Blanca Manchón (ESP), with Sensini languishing in ninth. Alabau stormed downwind overtaking Manchón in the process, taking the win and vanquishing the demons of Garda to secured her first RS:X European title. Sensini came home in ninth but had the silver medal secure, whilst bronze went to Manchón.

Much fanfare was awaiting the new 2007 European Champions on the beach and after finally working thru the crowd, Marina said, 'I was happy with my speed, and I knew that with a good start, I could win. This championship was very difficult for me, because my camber broke in my sail yesterday. This almost forced me to miss the last race of the day. I am now very happy and relieved it’s over!' Not only did she win, but she proved that she could step it up when the pressure is red hot. She will be one to watch in the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Cascais (Portugal) next month.

In Men class, her partner and Zer02 rider Iván Pastor, leader of the World Ranking, was third in the Medal Race, thereby improving the position of the previous edition and finishing ninth.

More Info:

[www.marinalabau.com]

[www.rsxclass.com/euro/news]