Francisco (Frankie) Lardies completed a Gold Cup sweep for New Zealand yesterday, taking the sailing regatta?s junior edition.

As his hero and legendary compatriot Russell Coutts wrested the King Edward VII Gold Cup, the 14-year-old lifted the Renaissance Reinsurance Junior Gold Cup by a one-point margin over Jas Farneti of Italy.

Lardies posted the low score of 29 points while Farneti was second on 30 and Finland?s Teemu Rantanen, third with 39 points. Defending champion Oliver Riilhilouma of Bermuda was fourth with 53 points.

The series was cut from ten to nine races after unfavourable weather forced the cancellation of all sailing yesterday.

?Staying in front of the Italian was pretty challenging,? confessed an excited Lardies who felt ?pretty good to win?.

Describing conditions as ?tricky and shifty?, the Kiwi said it was hard competing in five races on Saturday but credited upwind speed for his success.

Riilhilouma, 13, was upbeat about his performance though ?not in the best physical shape?.

?I think I did okay for my fitness. I haven?t done much physical training since the summer break and the competition was tough.

?There were a lot of big sailors and the heavy winds helped them so I am pretty pleased with my result.?