Bermuda sailor Tim Patton finished in a creditable mid-table position in a 44-boat fleet at the Etchells Class World Championships at Howth, near Dublin, Ireland.

The competition highlight for Patton and his two crewmen, Chris Busch and Tony Knap, was a second place in the eighth of the nine race series, finishing behind the eventual world champion, Australian sailing legend John Bertrand.

Sailed in considerably different wind and sea conditions than usually encountered in Bermuda, the championship started well for Patton with a seventh place in the opening race.

After that, the Bermuda Sailing Association (BSA) president had to settle for a series of mid-table results until his sparkling second place in the penultimate race, to finish in 22nd place overall.

Patton, from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, has represented Bermuda at World Etchells Championships on numerous occasions, competing in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK and Hong Kong.

Last week's event was the first time he had experienced sailing in Ireland.

"It was a superbly well organised regatta by Howth Yacht Club," he said, "and the Irish reputation for friendliness and hospitality was evident throughout the event."