Tim Healy clinches BMW J24 World Championships at Howth

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.