World class!

PLAIN SAILING . . . Ian Jones on his way to victory with a day to spare in the Middle East.

SAILING:

DOVESTONE sailor Ian Jones is on top of the world after his triumph in the Middle East.

The 45 year old has been crowned world champion in the Laser Masters class, beating his nearest rival Joao Ramos from Brazil.

Such was Jones’ dominance he won the series, in Oman, with a full day to spare - and used the time to relax by the pool while other competitors finished.

“This is the first one I’ve won,” said Jones. “It feels really good because the conditions were difficult and it was stressful - though back home I sail on a pond rather than the sea, so I’m used to the lighter conditions.”

Jones, a toolmaker, makes parts for cars and builds carbon fibre tillers and extensions for lasers — and noticed that half of the masters fleet was using equipment he had made!

Jones has sailed at Dovestone all his life, but has been travelling more recently to compete at national and international level.