Hollandia NED 1, designed by Doug Peterson and Ian Howlett, owned by Jos Fruytier and Ruud van Hilst and skippered by Philip Crebbin, has won the 2005 International Eight Metre World Championship held at Toronto’s Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

The victory came right down to the last race held in strong winds and building swells. Fleur de Lys FRA 29, owned by Gaston Schmalz and skippered by Jacques Fauroux needed to win the race to take home the championship. The two yachts had dominated the series finishing either first or second in the previous races. In the last down wind leg the French beat off a furious Dutch attempt to come from behind and crossed the finish line first. Unfortunately for the French a protest by Hollandia was upheld by the jury and Fleur de Lys placed second overall. In third place overall was Mystery USA 33, owned by Ron Palm.

The Sira Cup for vintage 8 Metres was won by Ralph Reimann’s Iskareen CAN 21. Venture II CAN 29 owned by Lorne Corley and Diane Palm placed second with Bangalore CAN 6 helmed by Terry McLaughlin in third.

A total of fifteen boats entered the Championship which began Sunday, August 14 with a special warm-up series of racing for the CN Tower Trophy. In very light air this series was won by Fleur de Lys with Hollandia second and Natural US 36 third. Most of the fleet were unable to cross the finish line in the 30 minutes allowed and received DNFs.

The first three days of racing were held in a growing on-shore breezes which held up during the day and allowed 2 races a day to be completed. The weather changed on Thursday, the lay day, with a strong east breeze blowing up considerable swells. Storm cells delayed the start Friday but a 10 mile race was completed and everyone arrived back at the dock before an incredible deluge from above -136 mm of rain was estimated to have hit Toronto in under 3 hours.

Similar conditions set-up the last race on Saturday to determine first, second and third in both World Cup and Sira Cup classes. Once again there was heavier air with large choppy waves. Hollandia and Iskareen clinched first in their classes with some tough battles following behind them. It was an exciting conclusion to a week of great racing and sailing fellowship.