A YACHTING lecturer at South Devon College, Paignton, has been crowned world champion at the 2011 Zhik Laser SB3 World Championships, held in Torquay.

Ian Mills, from Ipplepen, a lecturer on the college's foundation degree in yacht operations, along with three other crew members representing Great Britain – Geoff Carveth, Andy Ramus, and Emma Clarke – sailed an excellent series of qualifying and finals races last week to win the 2011 championship by four points.

Race Team Gill, helmed by Carveth, held off tough opposition from 130 teams from 14 nations, winning it on the final day of racing, despite a strong challenge from Robert Greenhalgh and crew (GBR) and good races from Rodion Luka with Team Russia, and 2010 South African Sailor of the Year, Asenathi Jim, and his crew.

Jim won the final race of the championships, but Carveth and crew crossed the finish line second, the resulting points adding to their week's tally and ultimately securing victory.

Proudly celebrating with his team afterwards, Mills said he was 'overjoyed' to be crowned world champion.

'We put in a solid and consistent performance over the five days, which paid off as we clinched the lead in the final two races,' said Mills.

'I'm so happy we did it and hope to be able to share this experience with the students, even if it is just showing off my trophy.'

The college's foundation degree in yacht operations, based at Noss Marina on the River Dart, is validated by the University of Plymouth.

The Laser SB3 Class World Championships are hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Torquay, and sponsored by Zhik Sailing gear.