NO-HEADLINE

The Royal Ocean Club plans to introduce a new system to calculate handicaps for yachts of all shapes and sizes so that they can race against each other from 1 January 2000. The new system will replace the more general Cruising Handicap System and the complex International Measurement System. Ever since the IMS replaced the International Offshore Rule there has been disquiet over a computer-based programme which can change a yacht's handicap assessment according to the conditions in which it is racing. The CHS rule, meanwhile, was meant to cope with the thousands of cruiser/racer craft which double as both pleasure and sports craft. This, however, is being pushed to the limit by those only really interested in racing.

John Merricks and Ian Walker are near the bottom of the 28-boat gold fleet at the World 470 Championships in Tel Aviv, lying 25th after six races. But Nick Rogers and Steve Irish are 10th as the Finns, Leskinen and Henilia lead from Portugal's Rocha and Barreto. In the women's division, Helena Lucas and Maggie Beech are 11th.