AFTER winning the recent Mirror Nationals, Durban North sailors Paul and Polly Changuion showed their mettle at the Marriott Mirror World Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club off Durban’s shore.

The father-and-daughter duo finished fourth in the world and were among three crews who finished in the top 20.

The Changuions had a cracker of a start to their worlds, finishing the first day in first with only one race being sailed in heavy breeze.

The duo then slipped marginally on the leaderboard but made a phenomenal comeback in the last two days of racing. Their log registered a sixth, two fifths, a fourth, two thirds, a second and a first across the eight races.

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“You always want to do better, but given the conditions it was a good result and we are so happy with our performances,” Paul said. “The best moment was winning the first race which was very special. The conditions were demanding so getting onto the podium was no easy feat. The Australian teams that took part also lifted the competition to a high standard. It was wonderful to see.”

He was also full of praise for his daughter, Polly (18), who took part in her second Mirror World Champs.

“Polly did everything really well. To go out there in cold and windy conditions isn’t easy and she was phenomenal throughout. I’m very proud of how well she did,” the Royal Natal Yacht Club member said.
While the sailing season is done for the Durban North family, they now plan on doing a trip around Africa in a 4×4.

Meanwhile, Bryce Bower, the acting Rear Commodore of Dinghies, praised the team at the Point Yacht Club who hosted the regatta.

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