Bermudian Dan Ward is helping keep the Island's fine sailing reputation riding high in the USA, writes Gayle Alleyne.

The 49-year-old recently took top honours in the Hobie 17 (feet) Class in the North American Continental Championships in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Competing in a 43-strong fleet of single-handed catamarans, the former Shelly Bay resident posted the low score of 37 points from 12 races (with one discard allowed), including four victories, two seconds and two third places in the October 4 to 11 event.

"This is great. It's the pinnacle of my sailing career," declared Ward, who grew up sailing 505s on Harrington Sound.

The sailor, who relocated from the Island in 1985, finished well ahead of second-placed Bill Whitehurst on 65 points and Greg Raybon in third on 70 points. However, he was thankful for the discard option which he was forced to use early.

"That was good because I jumped the starting line in the first race so I used my throw-out straightaway."

Ward, who lives in New Jersey where he owns an architectural firm, sailed in the championships four years ago and placed 18th.