CALES DE MALLORCA, Spain — Canadian sailor Sarah Douglas won gold in laser radial at the World Sailing Hempel World Cup on Saturday.

The 28-year-old from Toronto had built up a solid 25-point field lead by winning six races over 10 days heading into the final. Douglas placed sixth on Saturday to secure the win.

The World Cup was part of the Princess Sofia Trophy regatta with over 1,000 sailors in the Olympic boat classes.

A total of 89 internationals competed in laser radial in the first major multi-class event since last summer’s Olympics in Tokyo, where Douglas placed sixth.

She finished ahead of runner-up Hannah Snellgrove of Great Britain and bronze medalist Vasileia Karachaliou of Greece on Saturday.

“What a week,” Douglas said. “It’s my first World Cup podium, and I got it before the medal chase, which is crazy.

“I entered the regatta with no expectations and focused on my process. My team did a lot of preparation for my first big competition and I just had fun on the water.

“It was tough conditions every day and I’m exhausted after my first international competition after Tokyo. It’s a good start to the new year and a new journey to Paris 2024.”

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on April 9, 2022.

The Canadian Press