SAILING: Round Ireland race winner Eric Lisson confirmed last night that he will be withdrawing his allegations of bad sportsmanship following a meeting of the Royal Cork Yacht Club's Class I skippers this week.

It is understood that apologies were tendered to Lisson and the crew of his yacht Cavatina at the meeting, over any embarrassment that had been caused as a result of rumours made about the accuracy of Cavatina's handicap rating.

Lisson had made a formal complaint to the National authority, the Irish Sailing Association, over 10 days ago, naming sailors who he said had made unsporting allegations about his win.

Last night a joint statement was made on behalf of Class I skippers which endorsed the yacht's performance.

The statement said: "Class I skippers unanimously agree they want to make it clear they are delighted with Cavatina's win of the Round Ireland Race and are happy that Eric Lisson and his crew were racing with an endorsed and valid IRC certificate for Cavatina."

Following the statement the Royal Cork admiral, David O'Brien, said: "I fully endorse the agreement reached at the meeting and I am delighted that the matter has been settled to the satisfaction of all parties."

Lisson described the statement as a vindication of his position. The withdrawal of his complaint made under the international rules of sailing's disciplinary Rule 69 required the national authority, the Irish Sailing Association, to consider the formation of a tribunal, a decision it will not now have to make.