High winds might have forced the cancellation of yesterday’s practice race, but the forecast for this morning’s official start to Volvo Cork Week is promising and the weather is predicted to steadily improve as the series progresses.

After a four-day series that delivered a full range of conditions, Howth Yacht Club’s Ross McDonald and the crew of Equinox won the Sovereigns Cup at Kinsale on Saturday.

Light airs again played games with the racing schedule at Volvo Cork Week yesterday and though further tricky conditions are expected today, clear leaders have emerged across the fleet.