when he took over top spot in the Match Race Sailing rankings because of his Bermuda triumph.

Davis, who will skipper the One Australia America's Cup challenge, compiled an impressive 12-1 record in the Island's match racing competition, beating Sweden's Magnus Holmberg 3-0 in the final that was reduced from best-of-seven to best-of-five due to inclement weather on Sunday.

Former world number one Peter Gilmour of Australia dropped to the number two ranking after finishing fourth in the Omega Gold Cup.

Davis, who has been ranked in the top five for more than six years, sits atop the rankings for the first time in his career.

Rankings: 1. Rod Davis (Australia); 2. Peter Gilmour (Australia); 3. Russell Coutts (New Zealand); 4. Paul Cayard (US); 5. Ed Baird (US); 6. Bertrand Pace (France); 7. Magnus Holmberg (Sweden); 8. Chris Law (Britain); 9. Roy Heiner (Holland); 10. Theirry Peponnet (France).