Upsets reveal new leaders

Fresh and gusting onshore winds produced demanding conditions for the 215-boat fleet in the Heineken Autumn League at Howth Yacht Club yesterday. With the series approaching its climax, several upsets and the single discard revealed new leaders in several classes.

In class zero, Max McMullan's Mustang Sally continued to dominate the much-diminished bigboat fleet despite sailing with six fewer crew. Principal rival Cracklin' Rosie took an early lead at the first mark but threw away the chance of breaking McMullan's overall lead by sailing the wrong course.

Jim Hyland's new Maxim has made strong enough gains in class one to move into the overall lead after race three. His margin is three points from Kieran Jameson's Changeling, which leads the classic fleet.

Another win for class three leader Ian Switzer on Gung Ho could be in doubt following a protest by a class two entry over an alleged port and starboard incident yesterday. Although leading the large class, Switzer can ill-afford the loss of even a few points as the Malahide yacht Equity is just two points behind.

Meanwhile, the 1720 Sports boats continue to provide some of the closest one-design racing in Ireland. Philip Watson is leading the 20-boat class on Tuff Stuff after the Gordon Maguire-coached Irish Shipping had "a bad hair day", according to the Hamble-based professional sailor. After a poor start, the Howth boat was placed second last at the first mark before recovering to seventh. Irish Shipping drops to third overall behind Tom Evan's Yonka L'Experience.

Across the bay, a record fleet of Flying Fifteen's took to Dublin Bay for the Carlsberg East Coast Championship at the National Yacht Club. The 50-plus entry was the largest fleet since the 1992 World Championship and matched the UK National Championship turnout. However, despite high hopes for a local win, the Dublin Bay fleet suffered a "slightly bloodied nose" in face of strong opposition from the British visitors.

Gerry Donleavy emerged best of the home side, with former Fireball world champion John Lavery helming. The Dun Laoghaire pair ended third overall, counting a fifth, second and first in the weekend series. The battle for the places was also close, with Nick and Janet Jerwood taking overall honours from Myles O'Dell and Andrew Streter.