Sailing: Maguire's magic

On a third consecutive day of perfect conditions for the 478 yachts contesting Ford Cork Week, the trio of Bashford Howison 41s dominated the top positions in the first race of the day. Jocelyn Waller's Silk 2, helmed by Gordon Maguire, beat Nigel Bramwell's Hawk by nearly two minutes with Colm Barrington's Surfin' Shoes the same distance astern in third place of the big boat Class 0. Hawk took the second race with Paddy O'Brien's maxi Sorcery in second place.

The organising committee declared ineligible crew members Mark Petit, from Cormac Twomey's Class 1 first 42 Sarah J., and Tony Weatherall, of Anthony de Mulder's Class 2 Dubois 33 Vitric III, without making it clear if they have fallen foul of the rule prohibiting professionals. Both yachts won yesterday but were penalised by 20 per cent of their place points.