SAILING: A boost in the results standings brought Irish boats further up the field in the second day of the Alfa Romeo J24 European Championship in Dun Laoghaire yesterday.
However, a breakaway group of leaders could yet prove elusive while overnight leader Albert Kooijman continues to hold sway over the 53-boat fleet.
Kooijman and Just 4 Fun opened the day with a surprisingly poor showing at the first mark, somewhere in the mid-30s.
Earlier, nine boats were disqualified after principal race officer resorted to the black flag rule for an unusually jumpy fleet at the start line.
However, the Dutch team powered through to the front pack with impressive boat speed to end the race in sixth place.
By the afternoon, the recently crowned J22 European Champions regained their form to take another win - their third so far.
The second race also saw fleet newcomer Virgin On the Ridiculous with Diarmuid O'Donovan make a clean getaway from the start to lead the fleet for nearly two legs. Gradually overhauled by the more experienced front-runners, the Kerry skipper was able to claim sixth for the race and best Irish boat at the end of the day.
OVERALL (After four races): 1, Just 4 Fun (A Kooijman - 9.00); 2, Hitchhikers Guide (D Ellis - 16.00); 3, Stouche (S Jardine - 23.00); 4, Rotoman (L Loose - 23.00); 5, J di F (Guardia di Finanza - 24.00); 6, Wijit (M Penfold - 25.00). Best Irish: 7, Virgin On the Ridiculous (D O'Donovan - 62.00); 8, Cries of Passion (B Maguire - 63.00); 13, Crazyhorse (F Heath - 80.00). Results provisional - subject to protests.
