Top British finisher and 18th overall

Thursday 25th August 2011, 3:01PM BST.

Phil Sharp smiles at the finish of the Solitaire du Figaro in Dieppe, in the Haute Normandie region of France

TOP British sailor, third rookie and 18th overall meant Phil Sharp finished his first ever Solitaire du Figaro ‘on a high’ yesterday.

It was a thrilling climax to the race as the 44-strong fleet jostled for position in the hunt for an improved overall time. Crowds lined the docks of Dieppe, France, to witness the first four boats fly across the line with only seconds between them.

Jersey sailor Sharp, on The Spirit of Independence, completed the fourth and final, 437-mile leg from Sables d’Olonne 24 minutes later in 20th place. He was the third rookie home by just four seconds and missed out on the top rookie stage prize by just over ten minutes.

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