Bowman misses the first day

IRISH Europe sailor Aishling Bowman had to miss the first day of racing at the Miami Olympic classes regatta yesterday because of illness, which left Maria Coleman of Baltimore as Ireland's sole representative in that class.

Bowman developed an ear infection on Tuesday after moving from the north Florida venue to Miami and has been unable to practise for the event. Bowman has received hospital treatment and hopes to be racing again today.

Meanwhile, the first races of the series got under way yesterday evening Irish time. Conditions have been the best yet this week with a north east breeze of 12 to 14 knots setting in early and forecast to improve to nearly 20 knots with rain squalls during the afternoon.

Early result's from the Soling and Star keelboat classes showed fair to reasonable performances from the two Irish boats.

Mark Mansfield and David Burrows had an 18th place in the 50 boat Star class. Britain's Lawrie Smith still managed a 12th place result despite a 360 degree penalty turn while America's Cup helm Paul Cayard also had a 720 penalty turn and ended ninth. The race was won by Spaniard Jose Luis Doreste.

In the three man Soling keel boat fleet, which is witnessing one of the biggest turnouts to date at 47 boats, Ireland's Marshall King with Dan O'Grady and Garrett Connolly had a halfway result, ending race one in 23rd place. They had paced world number one ranked match racer Ed Baird for much of the race. Baird ended 17th overall.