Sailing: Robertson closing in on Athens

Two good results which could alter the course of a series had the Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson smiling again last night - just. There was also a touch of weariness as she and her crew, Sarah Webb and Sarah Ayton, looked forward to a day off today from the Yngling World Championship, one of 11 which encompass all the Olympic disciplines at the same time here.

After a poor opening day, and an average second which still left them 20th overall, Robertson's second and third yesterday moved the trio to seventh overall at the halfway point.

Robertson admitted their 37th, which they will be able to discard, and 18th on the opening day had left them scratching their heads, but now they are in a position to earn their places in the British team for next year's Athens Olympics.

There were also two wins in the delayed opening three races for the Star class by Iain Percy and Steve Mitchell. The pair kicked off with a rusty 13th, but quickly smartened up their act.