Great Sound winning a record three gold medals as the Nautica World Youth Sailing Championships came to a conclusion yesterday.

Jessie and Sally Cuthbert, Ben Ainslie, Nicholas Rogers and Pom Green of Britain led their country to victory in their respective classes.

The Cuthbert sisters -- who have only sailed together since January -- were triumphant in the girls double-handed division edging Holland, their closest rivals, by three points.

"Although we had a win in the very first race, our speed wasn't that good,'' said Sally Cuthbert yesterday, clearly in the mood to celebrate her victory.

"We knew we had to do better because the competition is at a very high standard.'' Locals Nicki Crane and crew Charlotte Watlington finished in last place, but thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the week-long event. They were also looking ahead to other events to participate in.

"We'd love to compete in another country because we never have before,'' said Watlington. "This has been our largest regatta yet. We were not here to win but just for the experience and fun. At the beginning of the week we couldn't even keep up with the other boats, but towards the end we were beating five or six boats. Hopefully, if we have more training and coaching we will do a lot better next year.'' Rogers and Green of Britain won the boys double-handed category by defeating last year's champions by nine points after claiming the final race yesterday.

USA sailors placed second while Switzerland, competing in their first Worlds, finished third.

Bermuda's team of Duncan Simons and Kevin Zuill again had trouble, finishing 20th overall out of a field of 21.

Ainslie, who regained the lead in the boys single-handed division on Sunday, still managed to win the gold medal after a third place finish yesterday.

Germany's Philipp Buchert placed second this year after taking bronze a year ago. Ainslie was silver medalist in 1994.

Australian newcomer Sarah Blanck also soared, winning the girl's single-handed division.

"Being in Bermuda was different, but the sailing wasn't,'' said a weary Blanck afterwards. "The competition was tough and I am pleased with my victory.'' Bermudian Megan Spurling kept up her impressive sailing placing a respectable fifth in her final race. Spurling grabbed the spotlight on Sunday with a first place finish in her second race.

"I had the lead at the start, but the other girls are really good,'' said a cheerful Spurling of yesterday's race. "I'm still pleased with what I accomplished the last two days.'' Amir Levinson of Israel, a previous champion in 1992 and 1994, won his third gold medal in four years in the boardsailing category beating second place finisher Pawel Gardasiewi of Poland by a convincing margin of 12 points.

Bermuda's Martin Mello only managed to finish two races in the week and was last overall.

Germany's Amelie Lux took home the gold among girls boardsailors finishing first in all but three races during the competition. Lux beat Sandrine Nuvolone of France by seven points.

Bermuda, meanwhile, earned 26 points to place 25th overall.