The second day of Kiel Week in Germany brought mixed results for the main Irish boats after a light airs start to the event on Wednesday. Olympic veteran Mark Mansfield and Irish Times Sailing corespondent David O'Brien fared best of the bunch and are lying 14th overall in the Star class.

Baltimore's Maria Coleman is 15th in the Europe class, the first time she has been outside the top ten in as many months although the discard should improve both boats from today onwards.

Laser sailor Jon Lasenby is competing in his last regatta that could qualify him for Sydney 2000. With a requirement of a top 12 by nation result at Kiel, he is narrowly outside the criteria as his 21st overall places him 15th by nation. His performance has increased steadily in recent weeks and he remains a firm potential candidate for the team with three days remaining.

Ireland's 470 disappointed hopefuls Tom Fitzpatrick and David McHugh scored a second place yesterday and lie 15th overall in their class. The pair are competing in Kiel as their farewell regatta as the Irish Sailing Association have stated they are ineligible for Sydney 2000 as they narrowly missed reaching their first selection result at the European Championship last week.

However, the pair are hoping to achieve a high result at Kiel, possibly even to the selection criteria as a morale booster at the end of an intensive three year campaign. Meanwhile, the remaining squad member, Finn sailor David Burrows is not racing at Kiel and will shortly be transferring to Sydney to commence preparations there.