The 350 competitors in the Four Star Pizza Youth Sailing World Championships begin the final phase of the competition on Dublin Bay this afternoon as five races remain in the programme that concludes on Friday.

Yesterday’s forecast of strong and gusting winds on Dublin Bay came good for the 350 competitors in the Four Star Pizza Youth World Sailing Championships — just as racing ended for the day.

The Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship got off to a difficult start on Saturday and conditions were even tougher yesterday for the 350 crews of teenagers from 61 nations.

With few changes in Thursday’s overnight standings, Cork Week closed at Crosshaven last night after a spectacular 100-boat race off Roche’s Point and briefly around the inner harbour.

Patrick Crosbie and Grattan Roberts sealed their place in the Irish Sailing Association squad for this Summer’s ISAF Youth World Championships, sponsored by Four Star Pizza, after they placed best of the home fleet in the 420 class national championship at the weekend.

Two race wins for RCYC’s Douglas Elmes laid down a clear marker for the Optimist class contenders on the opening day of their trials event being held as part of the Mitsubishi Youth Nationals in Dun Laoghaire yesterday.