FAIRHOPE — Eduardo Cordero continued his domination of Sunfish sailing by winning the 2007 Sunfish North American championship in a runaway.

Cordero, an eight-time world champion, finished first in six of the 11 races that were held on Mobile Bay over a three-day period concluding Saturday. The South American native, who now represents the Birmingham Sailing Club, finished second in two races, and third in two others to dominate the field of 55 sailors. The Sunfish North Americans, hosted by the Fairhope Yacht Club, drew competitors from 17 states and four nations, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Bermuda. 

Malcolm Smith, Smith’s Parish, Bermuda, finished second in the competition; and Tom Whitehurst, from Pensacola Beach, Fla., finished third.  Fourth place went to Mobile’s Karl Kleinschrodt, who sails for the Buccaneer Yacht Club.  Sebastion Mera, who hails from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, finished fifth. 

Rounding out the top 10 were Chris Gates of Indiatlantic, Fla., Todd Edwards of Baton Rouge, La., Dirk Resler of Savannah, Ga., Bernardo Low-Beer of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Martin Borough of Nassau, Bahamas. 

The youngest competitor, 11-year-old Emily “Pip” Nolan  from Lake Arthur, La., placed first in the “Midget” class and won the respect of her fellow sailors, who also awarded her the regatta’s Sportsmanship Award.

Texas junior sailor Collin Weston won the North American’s Junior Championship. Other 1st place finishes were: Anne Edwards, Female; Malcolm Smith, Master; Peter Wuescher, Grand Master; and Shapoor Guzder, Alcort.