Catapult stretched but maintains lead

After 40-mile partial round the Isle of Wight race yesterday, Ireland’s team in the Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup enter today’s single final with their overall lead shaved by just five points.

Although yesterday’s race started with a favourable tide and light breeze, halfway through the 55-nautical mile course, the power of the ebb tide overcame the breeze.

Ireland’s Catapult, owned by American Marc Glimcher, powered away from the start and had established a five-minute lead on the water passing the famous Needles lighthouse at the western end of the island.