After the final day of racing in Crosshaven, this year’s Ford Cork Week competitors have still not seen winds above 15-16 knots. Given the lively conditions experienced to get there in the first place, that was somewhat ironic. Whilst some have subsequently struggled to show their true form in calm seas, others have grabbed the opportunity to claim fractional advantage.

Morning racing today was once again postponed with winds reaching only 2kn-3kn, although fleets with two races did see more breeze as the day progressed. For many sailing the offshore course the light airs proved too much and retirement was the only option, the race was eventually shortened.

There are a few smiles around the harbour this evening, not least from the crew of Wolf, the leading boat in the IRM class. Olympic gold medallist, Ben Ainslie, had been brought in to sail a close competitor, Babbalaas, for the final two days of the event, but Wolf was still able to retain the lead built in earlier races, despite the margin latterly being reduced to four points by Team Tonic, a Farr 52. The crew on the team Laser SB3, making their first outing at an international event, were delighted to have fought off more established classes to take first in the Sports Boat Class. Victory was grasped only in the last race.

Cork is the home of the 1720 and competition was always going to be tight, but holding steady form proved to be vital in a fleet that often witnessed very varied results between one race and the next. In the end the class was won by the boat that has led over the week, Babbalaas Bach with a 28-point lead over the next placed boat, Le Bouchon.

Lack of wind hasn’t made the boat repairers redundant. Swans Noonmark and Desperado flocked too closely together and an Oyster 48 caused considerable damage to a Reflex 38. Team Laser were involved in a less dramatic T-bone with a new Open 5.5; fortunately no damage was done to the latter which is one of a kind in Ireland and literally straight out of its French-built wrapper.

Class round ups to follow.