Juan Kouyoumdjian (ARG) Last time they said he was 'lucky' to be the one to hit on the right formula with his boats for ABN Amro. This time with Ericsson 3 and 4 and supporters of rival VO70 designers are finding it harder to find flaws in the success of this innovative and eternally-youthful Argentinean who is also never afraid to get out there and do it himself – usually in Juan K's case in the intensely tough Star class.

Jo Richards (GBR) There is no end to older successful big boat sailors who quietly dip in and out of small boat classes and the scenes of early glory. Offshore and multihull sailor and designer Jo Richards always goes a little further; so it was not so surprising that having decided to design his first National 12 dinghy for 28 years he then himself took it to the 2009 championships where he wiped the floor with six race wins... discarding his opening second place.