KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's latest world champion, boardsailor Tom Ashley, is doing his best to downplay his success.
Racing in his home RS:X regatta off Takapuna, the 23-year-old was impressive all week, dominating a field filled with former world champions and Olympic medallists. But Ashley is quick to point out that winning the world title does not guarantee him a spot on the podium in Beijing.
"I don't think the results are specifically indicative of how things are going to go in Beijing because conditions will probably be very different to what we had here," he said.
"And the competition is quite different as well, there's a lot less guys on the start line and everyone will be peaking specifically for the Olympics after training for that event for four years."
But he admits winning the world title in the all-important Olympic year gives him an edge mentally.
Secretary of the International RS:X class Rory Ramsden said it was hard to make any predictions for Beijing based on the results of the world championships. He insists when it comes to boardsailing, the form book means very little.
"Just because someone's won a world championship, it doesn't guarantee that they're even going to be in the top 10 next time they race. Anybody in the gold fleet on their day can go out and win a race.
"Every time you go out it's a different piece of water, the wind is slightly different, your mood is slightly different, consistency is king."
Still, it's hard not get excited about Ashley's Olympic prospects given the nature of his world championship win. Ashley led the regatta from virtually start to finish and sailed smart when the pressure was on.
And with the conditions in Takapuna unusually light earlier in the week, Ashley's performance certainly bodes well for the Olympic regatta in Qingdao, where the winds are not expected to get above 10 knots.
Ramsden admits it is difficult to imagine Italian world champion Alessandra Sensini and Kiwi golden girl Barbara Kendall not leading the way in the women's fleet.
Last week's world championships were basically a two-way battle between the long-time rivals, with the pair heading into the medal race on equal points.
It was Sensini who triumphed in the gusty conditions on Saturday after Kendall got away to a disastrous start. Despite that, the New Zealand icon sailed an impressive race, recovering to finish second.
With bronze medallist Marina Alabau of Spain a further 16 points back, Sensini and Kendall are clearly in a class of their own, setting the stage for another enthralling battle between the two old-timers at the Olympics.
Sensini's career almost mirrors that of Kendall.
The likeable Italian notched up her fourth world title at the weekend to equal her Kiwi rival's tally and, like Kendall, Sensini also has three Olympic medals.
The 37-year-old believes her win at the weekend gives her a boost.
"To win a world championships before the Olympics is always a nice feeling and of course gives you security in a way," she said.
"But there is still a job to do and the conditions in China will be very, very difficult."
