Officials satisfied with performances

THE Spa Olympic Regatta ended yesterday at Medemblik, Holland, with Irish team officials satisfied with the Irish crews' performance in the build-up to Savannah in July.

Eight of the 10 confirmed squad members were competing and the best overall performer at the event was, ironically the narrowest qualifier at the recent European Qualification regatta in Murcia, Spain.

Finn sailor John Driscoll ended his six race series in sixth place having been as high as third overall earlier in the event.

Boat speed in lighter airs had been a problem for 470 women sailors Denise Lyttle and Louise Ann Cole. New sails proved better for the Dublin pair who could see an immediate improvement in Saturday's light airs over the disappointing performance in Wednesday's opening race.

Europe single-hander Aishling Bowman continues to experiment with new equipment that is being introduced before the deadline for class changes expires next month. Bowman ended 14th overall but counted three top 10 results out of nine races.

Baltimore Sydney 2000 hopeful Maria Coleman, who has been confirmed as the Europe class reserve produced an excellent 20th overall result with her better performances coming in the heavier conditions.

John Lavery and Ben O'Donoghue have just one event remaining to qualify for team nomination. The 470 crew ended 38th out of 52 boats. Their final chance is at the 470 European Championships at Hayling Island near Portsmouth early in June.