TENSION is building in several key classes at the Cork Dry Gin Sovereign's Cup at Kinsale as the 90 crews begin the penultimate day of racing this morning.
Two trophies are at stake the Sovereign's Cup for best boat on Channel Handicap and the Portcullis Trophy for best boat on ECHO handicap.
The 1720 Sportsboats are also competing for their first National Championship title and Cork Harbour sailor Anthony O'Leary still holds the overall lead although he came under pressure yesterday from several key contenders who have closed on his previous 10-point advantage.
Raz Beshoff's Vuarnet had a second and a first place while Mark Mansfield on Union Chandlery duelled with the Howth boat in the second race, taking the lead at the final leeward mark but surrendering it again for second after a brief battle on the short beat to the finishing line.
Richard Burrow's Bond Girl, helmed by Olympic Laser sailor Mark Lyttle had a firsthand a fifth and holds a good third overall ahead of Mansfield. Overall leader O'Leary fared less well in the fresh north-easterly winds, recording a ninth and third.
Meanwhile, in class two, the fight for the overall win under channel handicap is focusing on Philip Watson's Pathfinder and David Dwyer's Bullfrog. Both are heading for a dramatic finale tomorrow and are within a. few points of each other. Pathfinder currently leads by just four points thanks to two firsts yesterday although Dwyer is far from finished and will make the most of the last four races and one discard.
