Maier shows Howlett the way to win

Sailing

STUART ALEXANDER

reports from Hayling Island

The sight of David Howlett, Britain's Finn representative at the 1976 Olympics, crossing the finish line of the first of yesterday's two races in the Eurolymp regatta here, feet over the side, enjoying the sunshine, spoke volumes about the straw-hat conditions.

A south-westerly sea breeze kept threatening to establish itself, but it was not until the afternoon that it finally clicked in at 11 to 18 knots. Howlett swapped second and third with James Lyne, but neither could stop the Czech, Michael Maier, collecting his fourth consecutive win.

Shirley Robertson continues to hold off the challenge in the single-handed Europe of her sometime tuning partner and rival, Aisling Bowman of Ireland. In the Tornado catamarans, Jonathan Pierce and Stephen Park are second - between the Austrians, Roman and Andreas Hagara.

At the 470 European Championships in Bastad, Sweden, Britain's John Merricks and Ian Walker go into the final races leading their division from two Swedish pairs: Claes Gregart and Martin Andersson, and Petri Lefkinen and Mika Aarnika.