Watson in front

Howth helmsman Philip Watson produced his third race win in two days to leap to the front of the Cork Dry Gin 1720 National Championship leaderboard last night.

Secured by a 14-point margin over Northern Ireland's Alan Espey, Watson's lead appears strong enough to withstand a challenge from the European class champion Mark Mansfield. Mansfield recovered from a dismal performance on the opening day to get back into contention yesterday on 26 points and in third overall. Inspite of the fickle winds and strong tidal streams a full race programme has been completed and by this evening a new national champion will emerge from the 34-boat fleet.

Defending champion Anthony O'Leary maintained his 10th position but on 54 points has a virtually impossible task trying to retain the title in today's final three races.

On fresh water, light winds continue to haunt the organisers of the Bulmers Laser National Championships on Lough Derg. After two days afloat only two of the scheduled six races have been completed. An exasperated 100-boat fleet is led by Howth's Frank Dillon from Coleraine's Ed Simmons. Northern Ireland sailors also feature in the radial division where they occupy the top three places. East Antrim's Connor McGaughey leads from Strangford's Conor Walsh, while host club junior Peter Bayly leads the 4.7 rigs.