Wave of optimism for London

Sailing has used the successes of Ireland’s amateur boxers as the template to raise standards within the sport.

That includes the boldly stated goal of winning a medal at the Olympics, and with two campaigners claiming victory at the Sail For Gold regatta in Weymouth last week, it is far from a fanciful notion.

Peter O’Leary and David Burrows took the top podium spot in the Star class at the Olympic venue, while Annalise Murphy secured bronze in the Laser Radial. With 49ers Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern claiming a career-high seventh, and 470 pairing Ger Owens and Scott Flanigan winning the silver fleet race, Ireland hold a very strong hand for London.