The newest windsurfing world champion had to miss a few days of school to bring home the gold.

Rasmus Sayre, a senior at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, took home the championship title in the Kona One class on Wednesday, after five days of racing in Islamorada, Fla. Sayre, 17, won six of 12 races.

One hundred and six sailors representing 13 countries took part in the competition, according to a press release. Danish windsurfer Tim Aagesen picked up the silver medal.

Rasmus wasn’t the only Sayre to compete at Worlds. His father, Nevin, a former world champion himself, took third place. Older sister Solvig finished 11th.

“Today I am a proud father,” Nevin Sayre said. “I am also grateful for the opportunity to compete in the same international class as both my children.”

The Kona class features sailors using identical boards, and men and women compete together. One of Sayre’s fellow competitors, Nicole Level of Mexico, had a particularly strong connection to Sayre. In 2011, during the North American Bic 293 windsurfing championships in Cozumel, Sayre rescued Level after her equipment broke in rough racing conditions. Sayre was 13 years old at the time, but already competing against seasoned veterans. In that contest he gave up a considerable lead in his final race to turn around and help Level, who was adrift in four and five-foot seas without a life jacket. Rasmus was named Guardian Angel by the city of Cozumel.