Pauline Courtois made sure her first visit to Bermuda was truly special as the French helmswoman won the inaugural Aspen Women’s Match Racing Regatta and was also crowned 2024 Women's World Match Racing Tour champion.

Having already clinched the season championship heading into Sunday’s final in Hamilton Harbour, Courtois and her fellow crew claimed a second title after edging Swede Anna Östling 2-1 in an exciting battle contested in light and shifty conditions to cap a highly successful week of sailing.

“We are very, very happy,” an elated Courtois told The Royal Gazette.

“It was a big achievement for the team and an incredible year. The wind was very light and very shifty, so it was hard just to keep the boat fast. I haven’t done much match racing this year but I have a really good team.”

Courtois won the first race but 2023 Women’s World Match Racing Tour champion Östling took the second to send the series right down to the wire.

However, Courtois would not be denied her moment in the spotlight as she and her fellow colleagues won the crucial decider.

“We are very happy to be here and it’s an incredible place to sail,” Courtois said.

“It’s our first time here and it’s a pleasure to stay here.”

Östling is no stranger to these waters but took defeat against her French opponent in her stride.

“It was a great week with very, very tricky racing,” she said.

“We didn’t get anything for free this week and have been fighting for our survival from the start to the end. With that feeling, I think we should be quite happy with second place.

“Pauline was clearly better today but we were giving our best and we gave her a couple of good races.

“We will write down all the good stuff and then work on a few things, but it feels like we still have a way to go before we end up driving these boats perfectly.”

Denmark’s Lea Vogelius finished third courtesy of a 1-0 triumph over compatriot Kristine Mauritzen in the Petit final.