Sailing News: Ireland began the Rolex Commodore's Cup in Cowes yesterday in the form much predicted beyond home waters as the three teams placed first, second and third after two windward/leeward races.

Eamonn Rohan's Blondie scored two first places for Ireland Green while a third and a first place for Andrew Allen and Colm Monahan J109 No Naked Flames helped bed down the team's lead.

In contrast to recent form, seventh and fifth places for Tim Costello's Tiamat were a disappointing start to the biennial series that has attracted seven nations to Cowes.

In second overall, Ireland Orange trail by just one point and two second places for Colm Barrington's Magic Glove point to consistency at least though straight bullets are the norm for this regular crew.

Ireland White hold third with Dave Dwyer's Mariner's Cove 2 acting as this team's lynchpin thanks to two first places yesterday.

This team also act as the buffer between the main opposition, France Blue in this early stage of the week long competition.

The concerted effort that has led to this unprecedented Irish squad has captured significant overseas favourable review. Nevertheless, Irish Cruiser Racing Association officials have been at pains to downplay prospects of victory.

This is due, in part at least, to a desire not to jinx the teams' chances by raising expectations. However, a game of cat and mouse with Britain's team chiefs is more probable as Ireland aims to avoid being outsmarted, as happened in 2004 when Colm Barrington's squad led for most of the event.