Coleman cuts the mustard in Holland

With just over 15 months to go to the Sydney 2000, Ireland's Maria Coleman is riding high at the important Spa Olympic Classes Regatta in Holland. Just two days into the series, the Baltimore single-hander is lying third overall in the Europe class in a fleet where every major contender is competing.

Immediately after coming ashore yesterday afternoon, Coleman spoke to The Irish Times and reported her progress after six races. Wednesday saw her win the opening race of the series followed by two fourth places. However the final race had to be thrown out due to light winds and was resailed yesterday morning when she scored a fifth place.

Yesterday's racing was held in light and shifting conditions and according to Coleman all the fleet had bad results. A third, ninth and 25th place brought her into third overall just behind the Dutch silver medallist from Atlanta 96 and the second local contender. "I have a new mast and it's going really well," Coleman said.

Meanwhile, while the remainder of the Irish squad is also dominated by single-handers, the mood is less upbeat. The three Finn class contenders are under considerable pressure at Spa which is the first event of three in the Irish selection trials for Sydney. In the opening day on Wednesday, Ballyholme's John Driscoll was in the ascendancy scoring a 14th and first place, while his principal rival for the nomination slot, David Burrows, scored a ninth and a 16th place. The third contender is Colin Chapman.

Yesterday evening, a possible turnaround in the Finn class result was expected with Driscoll suffering in the light airs and Burrows said to be improving. A close battle before the event ends on Sunday is certain. The third single-handed class sees Jon Lasenby as Ireland's sole representative for the Laser dinghy. In what has been described as his worst regatta in his campaign so far, he is in 73rd place overall in spite of a creditable second place yesterday.