Sailing: Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race A forecast of fresher winds yesterday delivered some respite for the 27 crews in the Dún Laoghaire to Dingle Race as they prepared for the second night at sea in the 300-mile race.

Shortly before sunset, the fleet had passed Coningbeg Light having successfully rounded the Tuskar Rock. However, the deadline for beating the course record came and went shortly after 7.30pm without the lead boat even reaching the Old Head of Kinsale.

In the prevailing conditions, the lead was held by Phelim O'Connell's Farr 52 Deloitte from the National YC and while "line honours" for first to Dingle is up for grabs, the overall event victory decided on handicap corrected time is a far less certain picture.

While O'Connell called in to the Irish Coastguard shortly after 5am yesterday, the back-markers in the fleet trailed by around 15 hours.

The chasing pack immediately behind Deloitte were led by Stephen McCarthy's X-Yachts 46-footer Nadie from the Royal Cork YC.

But smaller boats were in close contention and proving to be serious contenders. James and Shelia Tyrrells' Aquelina of Arklow passed less than 90 minutes behind the Cork yacht so a close contest is under way, despite the lighter winds.

Whether more boats will opt out will depend on how the breeze performs today. Mick Creedon, skipper of the NYC entry Sarnia said he would review progress off Kinsale, perhaps by this evening before deciding to proceed to Dingle.

Close by, clubmate Ken Robertson on Miss Behavin' said his Sigma 33 footer was enjoying a great breeze, 18 knots from the south. One competitor has retired due to the light winds; John White's Blue Diamond from the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club.