Sailing: Ian Nicolson has continued success in UK national championship s

Sailing

Ian Nicolson's St Joan had continued success yesterday as the Sigma 33s passed the half-way stage of their UK national championship at Ford Cork Week. He added a second place to his overnight lead in the first race of the day, and then another win in a second race which saw 13 boats disqualified at the start under the black flag rule, which forbids straying above the start line within three minutes of the gun. With five of the eight races sailed - the fleet takes a rest today - and two discards of the worst results allowed, the Clyde-based St Joan is now almost in the clear.

SIGMA 33 UK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (Crosshaven, Rep of Ireland) Overall (after five races): 1 I Nicolson (St Joan) 12.5pts; 2 J and H Connelly (Phoenix) 26.75; 3 J Nelson (Shadowfax) 28; 4 D Bonner (Sigmatic II) 40; 5 D Wilson (Vendaval) 57; 6 M A and J Mead (Wozzle Hunter Too) 64.