THE annual Nissan Autumn League got off to a flying start at Howth Yacht Club yesterday, as the impressive fleet of 200 competing yachts began the final series of the sailing season.

A building onshore breeze early in the morning had developed into nearly 20 knots by the afternoon. Even though the two-hour race had ended just before lunchtime, it was enough to give an exciting short final leg under spinnaker to the finishing line off Howth's east pier.

Roy Dickson's Cracklin Rosie made best use of local knowledge in class zero to win easily on Channel Handicap, with her major season rivals, Sarah J and Surfin' Shoes from Dun Laoghaire nowhere to be seen, while Michael Fleming's newcomer Trinculo of Howth was a close second place.