SAILING:Sustained easterly winds of more than 20 knots brought the best out of the fleet of Transpac 52-footers on the Bay of Hyeres yesterday as pressure in the final event of the Breitling MedCup mounted, writes David Branigan.

Russell Coutts on Artemis extended his overall lead thanks to a seventh and two wins from the six hours of racing.

Ireland's Patches moved up to fourth in this event and third overall for the series following an improvement with sixth, fifth and third places.

Copa del Rey winner Siemens dismasted in the last race of the day, though nobody was injured.