In spite of the disappointment for the organisers of Ford Cork Week that the overall position of the regatta could not be determined last night, the event continued afloat as planned for the bulk of the 630 boat fleet. The estimated 400 volunteers passed the halfway point of the event yesterday as winds freshened at last with the prospect of more fine weather for today and tomorrow. The conditions would have been ideal for the 72 teams of 1720 Sportboat fleet who remained ashore yesterday in compliance with a stated lay-day for the class. The week is being used to determine the third European Championship but light winds on Monday and Tuesday resulted in fewer races sailed than planned. Efforts by several boats in the fleet to get racing scheduled for yesterday failed.

However, the remainder of the fleet continued their programme in the blazing south coast heat and sea breezes of up to 12 knots at times. In the only confirmed overall result of the event, Harold Cudmore continues to hold a knife-edge lead over the visiting American yacht Pyewacket that has been one of the highlight entries of the event.

Both Cudmore's Barlo Plastics and Disney's 70 footer are tied on nine points apiece, but the tie-break on discards places the Cork sailor ahead - just. Third-placed contender Babbalaas had been threatening on Tuesday, but a hotly disputed black flag disqualification in yesterday's second race has effectively ruled David McClean's entry out of the picture.

But with two crucial races left - the coastal passage and Harbour courses - the question remains as to whether Cudmore's boat can compete against Disney's super-sled. Pyewacket leaves all the other class zero boats standing in what is sure to provide an advantage over these longer courses.

Meanwhile, other boats faring well in the fleet included Colm Barrington's Gloves Off who had two second places yesterday against Prima 38 footer White Knuckles II.

Tim Goodbody's impressive run of first places ended yesterday when he scored a 15th and a fifth place in the Sigma 33 class though with the results difficulties, it is impossible to know where the current lead lies at this time.