Coleman leads Irish

Ireland has a large squad of Olympic hopefuls in action at the annual Spa Regatta at Medemblijk, Holland, this week where Europe sailor Maria Coleman heads the squad.

Qualification is the primary goal at Spa here both for Olympic selection and vital funding targets.

Last weekend saw the conclusion of the 49er Olympic skiff class World Championship at Bandol, France, where a fleet of 120 boats had to be distilled to a gold division for the final.

Best of the three Irish boats was Mel Collins of the Royal Cork YC with Fraser Brown crewing who scored 66th overall.

Meanwhile, other Irish crews at Spa include three contenders in the Laser single-handed class: John Lasenby, Frank Dillon and Darragh Kelleher. Aishling Bowman is also competing but does not have Olympic ambitions this time.

Ulstermen John Driscoll and Colin Chapman are both vying for selection in the Finn class. The men and women's 470 classes have friendly rivals Tom Fitzpatrick with David McHugh and Laura Dillon with her reserve crew Maria McGrogan all in their first major event this year.