Irish lead tactical battle

A GAME of offshore snakes and ladders was underway in the English Channel last night as the fleet in the Rolex Commodores’ Cup negotiated their way along a 180-mile course that is expected to last up to 36 hours and finish sometime early this afternoon.

Overall leaders Ireland was faring well in their three classes and were even listed provisionally as having extended their lead by three points from Britain’s GBR Red team.

But with not even half the race sailed, no certainties were evident especially as both France Blue and the Hong Kong teams were showing great form and easily capable of delivering upsets to the event favourites and overall leaders.