MUMM 36 footer Noddy of the Royal Irish Yacht Club is competing at Key West Week in Florida where a large fleet of keelboats has assembled for its annual winter gathering.

Sailing under the colours of Jameson which is continuing its support from the Admiral's Cup, Noddy has maintained its pace against the major rivals from last season in spite of using its old sails. With just one race left in the seven day regatta, the Irish boat was fourth overall out of the 11 strong class.

Our goal is to do well at the World Championships in San Francisco next October. "We have a short programme of regattas, so we have to use our time effectively," said Stu Bannatyne, Noddy's New Zealand skipper.