Claire Leroy of France successfully defended her title Saturday at the Santa Maria Cup world match racing championship in the waters off Annapolis.

Leroy, ranked No. 2 in the world, handled light winds and dodged heavy boat traffic to defeat Genny Tulloch of San Francisco, who also was runnerup last year.

Fort Lauderdale's Anna Tunnicliffe, Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, finished third. Three-time Santa Maria winner and 2008 Olympian Sally Barkow finished fourth.

The U.S. skippers are vying to represent the country in the new women's match-racing event at the 2010 Olympics.