Mixed day for Irish boats in Perth

Sailing: There were mixed fortunes for Irish crews in Perth today in their bid to earn Olympic qualification at the ISAF Sailing…

Sailing:There were mixed fortunes for Irish crews in Perth today in their bid to earn Olympic qualification at the ISAF Sailing World championships.

Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern in the 49er scored a seventh, 11th and 12th in their three races and now lie 15th overall.

A further three days of racing will take place in their class before the medal race on Sunday. The top 14 nations will earn their place at London 2012, with the pair currently in eighth spot.

“Ryan and Matt had another solid day, while not as spectacular as yesterday, their three scores keeps them very much on track for Olympic qualification,” said ISA performance director James O’Callaghan.

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In the Star, Peter O’Leary and David Burrows were penalised for an early start in race four and were disqualified for that race. It means they slip to 14th overall and are now in a real fight to secure Olympic qualification. The top 11 nations will qualify and they currently hold 11th place

O’Callaghan added: “The margins are so tight at this level, the guys have good speed around the course and were in second position when they were pulled from the race. While it is a setback it is by no means a situation from which they cannot recover.”

James Espey in the Laser also had a black flag during his first race of the day and together with a 37th in his second race, now lies 100th overall.