Ian Southworth is the 2006 J24 European Champion, retaining the title he won in 2005 and becoming the first three time winner - having previously won in 1988.

Southworth and the crew of Hedgehog - an extensively restored 1987 British-built Rogers hull - dominated the championship, held in Poole Bay, Dorset, Great Britain with seven first places, three second places and 1.3 points for redress, following a successful request to the International Jury after a black-flagged start.

He won with 14.3 points, from eleven races - he didn't sail the last - pushing J24 World Council Chairman, Bob Turner and his team into second place on 41 points. Double Olympic Gold medallist, Shirley Robertson, placed 10th in her first J24 Regatta, on 142 points.

For Southworth and team, it was a continuation of his work with Max Skelley at the Ullman Sails Maryland loft. Said Southworth, "Max has been brilliant. He shares his ideas and designs with us. Helping five amateurs to achieve enviable results. We are delighted with his sails."

Hedgehog also uses a New Zealand Sparloft rig.  Since returning to the Class in 2004, Southworth and crew have won the UK Nationals, Northern Areas and Southern Areas twice; been top UK qualifier for the 2005 Worlds and best-placed UK boat.

They have concurrently won the European Championship title and placed third at the Melbourne 2006 World Championship - with Max Skelley on the crew.  Southworth's crew are Andy McLelland, Cockpit; Chris McLaughlin, Tactician; Nigel Smith, Mast and Mark Hayman, Bow.