Pattaya: After spending the day being frustrated by a lack of wind, Marco Gardoni was hoisted, in his boat, onto the shoulders of his coach and supporters as the Italian won the 2017 Optimist world youth title yesterday.
His return to shore marked the end of an emotional final day at the Optimist World Championship 2017.
In the morning, one could see a mix of feelings on the faces of the 281 youth sailors from 62 countries, lining the beach, preparing to launch in listless conditions, hopeful of getting three more races on the scoreboard.
The wind failed to show up for their date with destiny however. The planned start at 10.30am was delayed by an hour and eventually at 2pm, the organising committee abandoned all races and confirmed the pack leaders as winners.
Malaysia's Muhammad Fauzi Bin Kaman Shah won silver in the individual series, a step up from his bronze last year. Costa Rica's Mic Sig Kos Mohr, who spent months training in Thailand, took the bronze.
Thai sailors Panwa Boonnak and Jedtavee Yongyuennarm finished 10th and 13th overall, an impressive feat in the huge fleet of 281 sailors.
In the Top Female category, Spain's Maria Perello took gold.
Thailand's Palika Poonpat, a cousin of 2010 world champion and two-time Top Female sailor Nopakkao Poonpat, took the silver in the women's event.
Palika's team also won the Nation Cup for overall best combined performance of team members and the IODA Challenge Cup for team racing.