Yesterday (tues) the first day of racing permitted by the weather and a long day on the water, finally ended under the cover of darkness at 20.30hrs. The Bank of Ireland sponsored Team Ireland passed the night race’s finishing post in 5th position to cap off a mediocre day where the team recorded three 5ths and a 6th after 2 windward/leeward races, a two hour coastal race and the 23 mile night race.
The Irish team skippered by George Kenefick often found themselves on the wrong end of large and frequent wind shifts and struggled to start races in strong positions. There were positives to be taken from the day however as they were able to gain a lot of ground on the downwind legs which helped them to finish consistently close to the leading pack. The tired minds of the crew now have to pick themselves up and turn their attentions to next three days of racing. There is still a lot more sailing to be had and the overall positions could change drastically before the end of the event.
Going into racing today Team Ireland are lying in fourth place. Euromed France Arthur Loyd lie in first position with the two British teams next in second and third.
Three years ago a CIT team, two members of which are sailing for the team this time round, managed to overcome a seven point deficit on the final day to take home the trophy. Cit are determined to see if they can repeat this feat and come home as champions.
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