In a thrilling conclusion to the 2008 Coastal Living Newport Regatta that saw the top three boats all converge together on the finish of the last race with the title in the balance, Guy Stening's Optimum from Australia edged out john Podmajersky's Illusion and Jim Richardson's Barking Mad to take the gun in the final race and the victory in the regatta.

Barking Mad, with America's Cup veteran Terry Hutchinson on tactics, lead after day 1 with a strong 3,1,1 scoreline and looked poised to run away with the event until Illusion came with strong finishes on the second day to move into the overall lead.

Stening's team began the final day in third place, but still well within striking distance of the leaders.  After two bullets to start the day, the team from Sydney found itself tied with Illusion for first and three points ahead of Barking Mad with only one race remaining.  Podmajersky's team took an early lead in the final race and seemed to be cruising to a victory until gear failures and the speed of the Australians leveled the playing field and set up an exiting duel to the finish.  At the line, Stening's team barely edged out the competition to claim the overall victory.

The teams in Newport experienced a fantastic opportunity to train for the upcoming North American and World Championships, which will also be held in Newport.  For complete results...

Series Standing - 9 races scored

Information is provisional and subject to modification
Regatta results saved: Sunday, July 13, 2008 3:31:11 PM EDT

Division: Farr 30 (5 boats) (top)

Notes