Sport

Tim Healy clinches BMW J24 World Championships at Howth

Defending world champion Mauricio Santa Cruz from Rio de Janeiro and his crew on Bruschetta, who had to concede second best to victor Tim Healy on Helly Hansen, from Newport, Rhode Island, at the BMW J24 World Championship at Howth Yacht Club. Photograph: David Branigan/Oceansport
Defending world champion Mauricio Santa Cruz from Rio de Janeiro and his crew on Bruschetta, who had to concede second best to victor Tim Healy on Helly Hansen, from Newport, Rhode Island, at the BMW J24 World Championship at Howth Yacht Club. Photograph: David Branigan/Oceansport
Fri Aug 30 2013 - 20:36

An American showdown off Ireland’s Eye ultimately decided the BMW J24 World Championships at Howth Yacht Club yesterday as brisk winds delivered a final challenge to the 40-strong fleet.

Brazilian title-defender Mauricio Santa Cruz on Bruschetta was pushed into second place and denied his fifth world championship by Tim Healy on Helly Hansen from Newport, Rhode Island.

Santa Cruz staged a comeback of sorts in the 10th and last race to place third but conservative sailing by the North American in fifth place protected his lead.

Mossy Shanahan and the crew on Crazyhorse of the host club emerged best of the Irish after their transformation since Thursday when they averaged top 10places to the finish and 19th overall.