SAILING NEWS:THE ANNUAL All-Ireland Championships began in light airs on Cork Harbour yesterday as the first of the national champions went head to head to decide what was formerly known as the Helmsman Championships.

Both defending champion Nicholas O’Leary and his father, Anthony, from the host Royal Cork Yacht Club made the qualification for Sunday’s final along with the Laser SB3 class representative Ben Duncan from Howth.

The series has been extended to three days, beginning with a round robin series, to ease pressure on race management associated with previous years.

Today, the second round as well as the Junior and Girls’ championships will get under way.