SAILING:The row of broad grins on the Patches crew at post-race weigh-in revealed a turn-around in fortunes for the Galway boat in the Copa del Rey yesterday after the high-scoring coastal course in the Breitling MedCup here.
A second place at the end of the 23-mile course reversed their slide from the front end of this 22-boat fleet as they moved from 12th to ninth overnight ahead of five more inshore courses today and tomorrow.
Broad grins, but still with the constant awareness that the two-month-old TP52 has yet to win a race this year. The confidence has returned but the mission remains the same for Eamon Conneely and skipper Ian Walker.
Yesterday saw mixed fortunes for many of the leaders though the overall standings for this regatta remain largely unchanged.
At the front end, the Spanish team on Mutua Madrilena continue to lead after they produced their third victory of the week, though at one stage Conneely's team had edged ahead in the fickle coastal conditions.
Meanwhile, the leaders in La Solitaire du Figaro are expected to reach Crosshaven by lunchtime today as the 50-boat fleet heads up wind from Land's End. Last report saw Thierry Chabagne listed as the leader with 120 miles to sail.
branigan@indigo.ie
