Hard work paid off for Alec Cutler, who has won the J/70 Corinthian World Championships for the first time in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club helmsman and fellow crew Brad Rodi, Charles Pucciariello and Ryan Cox were the most consistent team after producing six top-three finishes, including four wins, to capture the nine-race series by five points.

“This season we've been working hard on increasing our consistency and closing out regattas,” Cutler told The Royal Gazette.

“We've always been fast but have made too many mistakes to win events, so it was great to finish strong.”

Cutler (Hedgehog) trailed leader Edward Gary (Ayacucho) by one point heading into the final two races on the last day of the regatta but managed to beat his rival in both contest to seal victory.

“Heading into the last day, we needed to beat Ayacucho in both races,” Cutler said.

“We knew the job would not be easy as they were consistently strong all week and are led by veteran tactician and eight-times world champion Brad Read.

“We executed both starts well and covered Ayacucho in both races to win the regatta.”

Cutler is delighted by the progress the crew have made in the class.

“This is our second year in the J/70 and we continue to improve,” he said.

“A big key for us is we all understand and enjoy the process and share strong bonds. Each of us were on the US Naval Academy sailing team under the same coach. After graduation, Brad Rodi and I served as Surface Warfare Officers, Ryan Cox was a Navy SEAL, and Charlie Pucciariello was a fighter pilot.

“We push each other hard and really enjoy each other’s company on and off the water, and it’s great to see all the hard work starting to come out in the results.”

American Gary finished runner-up and Mexican Ignacio Perez (Zaguero) took the final spot on the podium.