American Farr 40 Barking Mad won the special three-day series, staged in conjunction with Skandia Life Cowes Week.

Following the first two days where they dominated the windward-leeward racing in the Solent, James Richardson scored a first, second and fourth in the final three races to take the series.

Britain's top Farr 40, GBR 25, helmed by Mark Heeley took two firsts to finish second overall but the addition of dedicated Farr 40 racing was given the thumbs up by all competitors including Warsash sailor Eddie Warden-Owen who was racing on John Coumantaros' Bambakou.

"What we have had over the last three days has been fantastic," he said.

"Doing one four hour race each day would not have worked - it would have been a waste of time. The organisers were worried about the boats in different fleets crossing each other in these races but there have been few incidents like that.

"We have been very fortunate to have had this opportunity and I think if we were able to do the same thing next year, there would be a few takers."

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