Irish boats on course for Atlanta

AS the Miami Olympic Regatta enters its penultimate day, Irish prospects remain solid, based on consistently high performances from several crews. But one boat is finding it difficult to stay in the top third of their fleet.

Early results point at least three boats on course for the Irish team. Mark Mansfield and David Burrows followed on last week's training event win with a 10th placing overall in the Star class. The racing has been aggressive from all the leaders, including some creative tactics from the flamboyant America's Cup skipper Paul Cayard.

Australia's Colin Beashel was leading the class after the first day thanks to a first place and a fourth. Down the ranks, Mansfield and Burrows lead Canadian Ross MacDonald.

Among the single handers, in the 62 boat Finn class, John Driscoll scored a 14th and ninth places on the first day and is in 3th place overall. The class is led by world champion Phillipe Presti of France.

The loss of three races on the first day for Aishling Bowman in the Europe fleet due to ear infection may not mean as high a final placing for her as hoped, but her consistency to date is not in doubt. Meanwhile, Maria Coleman from Baltimore, continues her campaign for the Sydney 2,000 games, maintaining a mid fleet position of 34th out of 55 boats.

The Laser class is divided into four flights of approximately 30 boats each which will establish a gold fleet that eliminates all but the top 60 helms for the final series of races sailed today and tomorrow. Ireland's Mark Lyttle scored a 21st. 10th and 15th places on the first day and is 26th overall so far.

But the three man Soling campaign of Marshall King, Dan O'Grady and Garrett Connolly have reached the Olympic nomination standard in the past. In the Olympics, the fleet races to establish the top six boats, which then match race for the final medal posit ions. This would suit King particularly, but the trio are short of their requirement in 20th overall: they need to be 15th or better in the 45 boat fleet.