Tauranga sailor Sam Meech is just off gold medal pace heading into 2011 Sail Auckland being held February 2-6.

At the final major event before the Waitangi weekend event, the Laser National Championships, Sam finished second, with 2008 New Zealand Olympic representative Andrew Murdoch winning.

Sam Meech.

The laser nationals finished on Tuesday after being contested off Torbay.

Andrew defended his title with the narrowest of margins winning on count back over Sam.

Rounding out the podium for bronze was Josh Junior from Wellington, just one point back.

Andy Maloney placed fourth, and Mike Bullot was fifth in the fleet of 27 for the open title.

'After one drop, only three points separated the top four of Andrew Murdoch and Sam Meech (25 points), Josh Junior (26 points) and Andy Maloney (27 points).

'This result illustrates the intense competition in the Yachting New Zealand elite squad for the one Laser Olympic spot,” says Laser Association reporter Mike Knowsley.

At Sail Auckland the competition between this group of sailors is expected to be intense as they
are all seeking the single laser class berth on offer for the London 2012 Olympics.