Oxford windsurfer Bryony Shaw insists claiming silver at the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta eased the pain after she missed out on a place on the podium at last month’s world championships.

The 26-year-old, who won an Olympic bronze medal in Beijing, had high hopes on home soil in Weymouth after claiming bronze at the European championships in Israel.

However not all went to plan for Shaw.

Despite picking up her best world championship finish of sixth – the former Cheney School pupil left with her head in her hands.

However, on her returtn to Weymouth for the Skandia event, Shaw lifted herself by climbing the podium in second after a lack of wind prevented the medal race taking place.

World silver medallist Blanca Manchon took gold after five days of racing at the London 2012 Olympic venue.

Shaw admitted she can finally rest easy after banishing her world championship demons.

“It’s been a good week and good to build my confidence again after missing out on a medal at the World Championships,” said Shaw.

“I had some good speed over the week and was able to keep a clear head and keep things simple which was a good confidence boost.

“To finish sixth at the worlds was good, but I had higher expectations for myself.

“I was hoping to end the season on a high. You can train and try and gauge your own speed, but there is nothing better than racing.”

Shaw has been playing catch up after taking a six-month break following the Olympics.

The Oxford sailor admitted she has learnt a lot about herself over the past 12 months and has vowed not rest on her laurels again as London 2012 draws nearer.

“I will be heading to Miami in January for some warm weather training and I now need to focus on my speed and on kit testing, as well as some longer-term goals,” added Shaw.

“The Olympics are less than three years away and I have learnt a lot this season.

“The fact that I can bounce back from disappointing results shows that I am quite a gritty competitor.”