SAILING:At the halfway stage of the annual Palma Olympic Classes Regatta, two Irish boats are holding top-10 overall positions in their respective fleets with two other crews close to breaking into the stakes for Friday's medal race final, reports David Branigan.

The McGoverns, Russell and Matt, sailed a consistent three-race day yesterday in the 49er skiff class. A 3-5-6 result places them eighth overall with today and tomorrow deciding the division for gold, silver and bronze fleets and then Friday's top-10 finishers, who will compete for the medal podium.

Maurice O'Connell and Ben Cooke were ninth overall in the Star keelboat class. Max Treacy and Anthony Shanks scored a fourth and a 19th yesterday for 11th overall but were last night challenging a disqualification from Monday's race.