Tuff Stuff grabs share of lead

Results across the various classes are becoming closer following yesterday's third race in the Heineken Autumn League at Howth…

Results across the various classes are becoming closer following yesterday's third race in the Heineken Autumn League at Howth Yacht Club. In spite of the overcast conditions, both wind and tide conspired to trick many crews on the Keelboat courses and next week's single discard will be eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, in a busy weekend for sailing, two championship titles were decided elsewhere. The 1720 Sportsboats had the closest racing and after a season of completely unpredictable results in the class, this event is unlikely to spoil the form. The Gordon Maguire-coached Irish Shipping continues to hold a joint overall lead, swapping Martin Byrne's Key Events from last weekend for the Philip Watson-helmed Tuff Stuff yesterday.

Formerly sailing for Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, Tom Murphy's Kilkenny-dominated After Midnight won the day in the class, although as many as four others could have taken the bullet right up until the end. Watson took second just ahead of their main rival for the overall lead. Irish Shipping's fortunes may now rest with Maguire's availability next weekend and the one after before the finale in three weeks' time.

In Class One, Johnny Morgan's Something Fishy continues to show growing form and a first yesterday places the Carlingford sailor into joint first overall in that class.

David Branigan

David Branigan

David Branigan is a contributor on sailing to The Irish Times