SAILING:The venue for the annual French Olympic Sailing week plays host to the final of the Breitling MedCup circuit this week with Hyeres preparing for the arrival of the strong Mistral wind for at least two of the five days of racing, reports David Branigan.

Galway yachtsman Eamon Conneely along with his skipper Ian Walker and the crew of Patches lie fourth overall in the series as the final regatta begins this morning. Triple America's Cup winner Russell Coutts is the joint leader with Spain's Caixa Gallicia, some 27 points ahead in the overall standings.

The overall win is not a realistic prospect at this stage but equalling last season's third overall could be managed as the King of Spain's Bribon is within eight points of the Irish boat. Sixteen of the original 24-strong fleet will line up in Hyeres.