Irish enjoy mixed results

The combined Olympic classes of the International Sailing Federation reached the mid-point of the Sailing World Championships at Cadiz yesterday with more than a dozen Irish sailors in action.

Atlanta and Sydney Olympian David Burrows lies fifth overall in the Finn single-hander, a slip from the opening day when he was second overall but two 18th places cost him dearly. As with most of the classes of Irish interest in action this week, his fleet is split before grading into Gold and Silver fleets to determine their world title winners.

Baltimore's Maria Coleman ended with a disappointing 15th overall in the Europe fleet that has now completed its championship. A back injury is thought to have affected her performance.

The Irish Star class battle continued yesterday with both crews improving their places within the top 10 of their respective qualifying groups. This event is hoped to finish with Ireland qualified to send a team to the Athens Olympics. A separate, shore-based battle will follow this event to determine how the selection of the two crews will take place.

Yesterday saw Max Teacy and Anthony Shanks improve to fifth in their group thanks to an 11th and fifth placings. Mark Mansfield and Killian Collins moved to seventh in their group with a seventh and a fourth.

The 49er skiff duo of Tom Fitzpatrick and Fraser Brown finished fourth and fifth in their opening two races. However, the pair were unable to complete the third race a retirement that leaves them 37th overall after day one of their pre-qualifying stage.

Meanwhile, in the Tornado multi-hull class, Damian Foxall and Jeff Condell lie 52nd overall. In the single-handed Laser, Rory Fitzpatrick is best of the four Irish helms placed 87th out of 171 boats. Gerbil Owens and Ross Killian lie 26th out of 99 boats in the 470 men's fleet.