Davis Dominates a World-Class Field to Win Challenge Cup in New Zealand

Rod Davis, who skippered the Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s unsuccessful Eagle entry in the America’s Cup, rebounded Sunday by winning the Citizens Squadron Challenge Cup match race series with a 9-0 record.

Davis, 31, with a six-man crew of New Zealanders, dominated a fleet of other world-class sailors.

Britain’s Eddie Owen, who won the Congressional Cup at Long Beach in March, was second at 7-2, followed by Australia’s Peter Gilmour at 6-3. San Diego’s Peter Isler, Long Beach’s John Shadden and New Zealand’s Chris Dickson tied for fourth at 5-4.

All sailed New Zealand-built Stewart 34s.