Strong winds delayed racing across all fleets, keeping sailors ashore until later in the afternoon before a demanding day of competition unfolded. Irish crews were competing in Gold Fleet across the 49er and both dinghy classes, with conditions proving challenging but revealing.
Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) produced a composed display in the 49er fleet, handling the heavy breeze impressively to post fourth and third-place finishes in their opening races. The Dublin pair were well positioned again in their final outing before an abandoned start, and despite a difficult restart they recovered to secure another top-ten result.
The performance lifts them to the top of the Gold Fleet standings, edging ahead of world number ones Andrew Mollerus and Trevor Bornarth of the United States, with whom they had been level for much of the week.
Speaking afterwards, the duo struck an upbeat tone. “We’re happy with how we’re sailing at the moment. Our starts have been strong and the boat speed is good. Today’s conditions were challenging, particularly downwind with the sea state, but it’s encouraging to see that we’re performing well across both strong and light winds.” Waddilove said.
Dickson added: “Our focus remains on process goals for the rest of the regatta, particularly around starts and strategy. If we can continue to execute there, it should put us in a good position heading into the final series.”
In the women’s dinghy Gold Fleet, McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) demonstrated resilience in unstable seas, with multiple capsizes across the fleet as the breeze strengthened. The Olympian delivered finishes of eighth and fourth to climb to second overall in a highly experienced field.
Ireland’s Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain
The testing conditions also provided valuable experience for 49er development sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club), who placed 18th in their opening race before retiring later in the day following a gear failure.
Ireland’s sole ILCA 7 Gold Fleet representative, Fiachra McDonnell (Royal Irish Yacht Club), completed two races in the difficult conditions and continued to build experience at this level.
In the 49erFX fleet, Erin McIlwaine (Royal St George YC/Newcastle YC) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Boat Club) handled the breeze well to record sixth and 11th-place finishes, leaving them 19th overall.
Elsewhere, Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) and Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) head the ILCA 7 Silver Fleet standings, using the remainder of the regatta to refine key skills and strategy.
Racing continues on Thursday as the Elimination Series progresses, with the top ten boats advancing to Saturday’s Final Series, where points will be reset.