Saunders on the podium

Tom Saunders celebrated his return to the world stage with New Zealand’s second medal of the short international sailing season, claiming silver in his first major regatta since the Paris Olympics.

The 32-year-old Tauranga sailor won silver in the ILCA 7 (formerly Laser) at the French Olympic Week in Hyeres yesterday, climbing to second overall with an impressive third placing in the double-points medal race.

It was his first international competition since finishing seventh in his Olympic debut in Marseille last August, having taken a break from racing. — APL