Crosshaven to attract the elite

Although there is still one week to go to the close of nominations, there is little doubt that the pick of sailings' elite will be back on the water again in little over a month to contest the ISA's Eagle Star Champion of Champions regatta off Crosshaven.

With the prospect of a reformatted competition, that will include most of the Sydney Olympic squad, the organisers have already received eight submissions for a competition that has a maximum entry of 24 boats.

Already nominated is David Dixon (Shannon One Design); Brian Maguire (J24); Simon Brien (Dragon); Derek Mitchell (Ruffian); and Tom Fitzpatrick (current holder).

At least three junior sailors have also been nominated for the event including two brothers, Nicholas (13) and Peter O 'Leary (16), of the host club.

Under new rules for the competition both may be prevented from competing because of a regulation that states competitors must now be over 18 years of age. Depending on a wild card entry is Cork's Mark Mansfield, the 1720 European champion and the Laser Two national champion, Gerbil Owens. Final competitors listing will not be known until Friday, October 22nd.

In spite of last weekend's gale force winds, 12 UK boats travelled to n Dun Laoghaire for the Flying 15 East Coast Championships. Three times world champion Steve Goacher from Windemere won the race from Tim Polase, with the Irish boat, skippered by Brian McKee third. Incoming Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club Anthony O'Leary was the winner of the first race of his club's CH Marine October league. Regular October League contender John Godkin's VSOP, from Kinsale, was again to the fore winning on IRC handicap in class one. Denis Doyle's Moonduster was second. The McCarthy brothers were winners in class two. In class three Stuart Nairn's Amorique was the IRC winner.

Abroad, a Royal St George Yacht Club team led by John Ross Murphy, have returned as joint runners-up from the New York Yacht Club's prestigious Patriot Cup team racing regatta.

In Italy, Des Fortune sailing Hard on Port is the sole Irish entry at this week's 78-boat J24 World Championship in Genoa. n Dun Laoghaire, placed 40th in the first race.

Over £2 million worth of boats goes on display at Northern Ireland's first new and used boat sale at Bangor today . The show is part of BJ Marine's 10th birthday celebrations.