Yachting: Kiwis finish second

New Zealand sailors Hamish Pepper and Craig Monk wilted under pressure at the Star world yachting championships in Sweden, finishing second after leading going into the final race.

Just three points separated the leading four crews going into the decider, and the New Zealand pair had been in excellent form despite only sailing their first regatta together in May this year.

The sixth and final race of the hard-fought series became New Zealand's discard race when they finished in 25th place in light winds.

American sailors George Szabo and Rick Peters' third place put them seven points ahead to take the title.

Lars Schmidt Grael and Ronald Seifert of Brazil came from 10th overall to narrowly take the bronze medal after winning the final race.

Meanwhile, New Zealand sailor Michael Bullot finished strongly at the Laser European championships in Lanskrona, Sweden, jumping 12 places in the last three races to finish eighth.

Lying 20th in the 122-strong fleet at the end of the qualifying rounds, Bullot stepped up the pace with solid sailing and consistent results during the final three races.

Hawke's Bay sailor James Sandall, 20, who was footing it near the top of the leaderboard early on, finished the regatta in 19th place.

A total of 10 races was sailed over the week, with the finals round cut short of the full schedule due to light winds.

- NZPA