one-design class after Sunday's planned final regatta saw none of the boats leave the dock.

Winds of 30 knots-plus on the Mangrove Bay course prompted cancellation by the race committee.

But 14-year-old Wicks had proved himself a convincing champion of the 13-strong fleet over the 26 races in the last six weeks.

Wicks' final points total of 153 won him a new sail from Byte Boats and placed him well clear of his nearest challengers Lisa Spurling (63), Lawson Williams (69) and Pat Young (105).

Organiser Paul Fisher, who along with Mike Wicks was responsible for bringing the boats to the Island in October, said: "We want to attract more enthusiastic sailors to the class, which is great for kids and adults weighing up to 160 lbs.'' The Byte, a one-person craft, is 12 feet long, weighs 100 lbs and has a mainsail but no jib.

A special Christmas regatta is planned for this Sunday on the Great Sound and regular racing will resume in mid-January.