Yachting: Pepper and Williams fourth in Europe

Hamish Pepper

WELLINGTON - New Zealand sailors Hamish Pepper and Carl Williams were fourth at the Star European championships which finished in Germany this morning.

They missed out on a bronze medal by a countback after finishing level third on 27 points with an American crew.

The result confirms a place in the Yachting New Zealand Olympic Squad for the New Zealand pair, who have quickly risen through the ranks after joining the Olympic class Star less than a year ago.

"Both Carl and I are extremely happy with this result on several counts," Pepper said.

"We are coming to grips with the boat more and more every day. Our speed is becoming more consistent and competitive in all wind ranges. And most importantly we are developing as a team."

Only five of the eight races were completed this week due to strong, shifty conditions.

The regatta was won by an American crew skippered by Mark Mendelblatt from Brazilian Robert Scheidt.

Pepper and Williams are now busy with America's Cup and keelboat racing commitments before preparing for the Star World Championships starting on September 28.

- NZPA