Italian crew quit in protest

SAILING: Italian entry Korus vacated the top 10 standings of the Alfa Romeo J24 European Championship last night as the event reaches its finale today.

Carmelo Savastano's crew loaded the yacht onto their trailer to begin their long journey home in protest at a second disqualification for rule infringements during the series.

Under rule 42 of the racing rules of sailing, boats are not allowed to use any other form of propulsion other than wind on sails; the event's international jury observed the crew engaged in pumping in yesterday's race six and they were instantly disqualified.

At the start of the series on Monday, the same crew were disqualified for failing to take a penalty turn ordered by the jury for a similar offence.

Had the crew taken the turns, their result would have been counted in that race score but the repeat incident yesterday carried automatic dismissal from that race only. A third incident would have resulted in disqualification from the entire event.

The crew departed the Royal Irish Yacht Club in angry form last night.

One crew-member told The Irish Times that they had not infringed the rules and felt aggrieved that they had travelled a long distance to compete. In yesterday's other two races, Korus scored a win and a second place, moving them into eighth overall and into contention for a possible podium result.

Meanwhile, while the Dutch entry Just 4 Fun has one less contender to worry about, the event leaders saw their overall lead eroded to a slimmer nine-point advantage in yesterday's three races.

Italian National champions Guardia di Finanza produced two neat second places to close the gap and take over as runners-up.

Yesterday's fresh conditions also saw Irish boats to the fore. Desmond Fortune's Hard On Port produced an impressive win in race six, at last living up to pre-event expectations.

A seventh and an eighth lifted the Dun Laoghaire crew to 13th overall and in sight of a top 10 result.

Barry O'Neill's Jazz currently tops the Irish fleet in ninth place after a steady set of results.

One place behind, Bryan Maguire's Cries of Passion continues to perform as most consistent Irish boat.An impressive performance of another kind came from Barry O'Connor's Jeckyll after their rudder fitting broke in the morning race.

A quick pitstop at the Royal Irish YC produced a fast weld and they were back at sea in time for the next race and a 15th place, topped by a fifth in race seven.