Bermuda’s Malcolm Smith returned home victorious after capturing a maiden South American and Caribbean Sunfish Championship in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles last week.

It was the veteran skipper’s third attempt at winning the coveted title after finishing runner up in 2002 and 2003. And on this occasion the Bermudian would not be denied.

The three-time World Sunfish champion and Pan Am Games silver medallist began his march towards the championship in fine style, reeling off a succession of top-three finishes to quickly place himself in the thick of the hunt for top honours.

“My goal was basically to go down there and win the regatta. That was my goal from the beginning and when I heard this regatta was going to be held there (Curacao) a year ago I decided I wanted to compete in it,” said Smith, who posted three bullets during the regatta.

“I really wanted to get myself in good shape for it, and I knew it was going to be heavier winds down there which I pretty much prefer. Not only is it a lot more fun, but also very physical and I much prefer that because it helps to keep myself fit.

“But it was really nice to win and I’m really happy with the way I finished off the regatta. I just seemed to get stronger as the week went on. It took a day or two just to work things out. But after getting a good start, for me consistency proved the be the main key to success.”

Last week’s eight-race regatta, contested in white water conditions, witnessed some 31 top skippers from ten different countries all compete for honours, among them home favourite and past World Sunfish champion Steven Smeulders.

“I had my hands full of him for the entire week. And he pretty much knew the body of water,” Smith said.

Smith, however, proved equal to the task, and managed to consistently post good numbers and eventually claim overall honours after discarding his highest finish (fourth) when the drop was made on the final day of the regatta.

The veteran skipper has now set his sights on capturing that elusive gold medal at the Pan Am Games.

Smith qualified for Bermuda in the dinghy class for this summer’s Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro last summer.

“I’m just pretty much waiting for confirmation (to compete in Brazil) from the Bermuda Sailing Association (BSA) and the Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA),” the 1996 Olympian and two-time Male Athlete of the Year Award winner added.