Big Result For KYC’s Dwyer-Matthews At Oppy Worlds Midpoint

2nd September 2018

James Dwyer-Matthews pictured in his home waters of Kinsale at the Irish Nationals last month Credit: Robert Bateman

#Optimist - James Dwyer-Matthews was the best of the Irish after the qualifying stage of the Optimist Worlds drew to a close in Limassol on Friday (31 August).

The Kinsale YC youth is 12th overall in the 260-boat fleet, thanks to strong finishes in his first and final two qualifying races.

In real terms, the result puts Dwyer-Matthews only 10 points off seventh place, above which racing is tight for the title as last year’s winner Marco Gradoni fends off the challenge of American champ Stephan Baker.

Next best of the Irish contingent was last year's Irish Nationals champ Rian Geraghty-McDonnell of the National Yacht Club, who places 22nd.

After his second at the Kinsale Nationals last month, Justin Lucas of Tralee Bay and the Royal Cork had a tough week in Cyprus, placing 40th overall — but that came with a strong performance in the fourth race of the week for Afloat.ie's Sailor of the Month for April.

Completing the five-member Irish contingent, Harry Twomey (Royal Cork YC & Crookhaven Harbour SC) placed 89th and Michael Crosbie (Royal Cork) 106th.

Racing in the gold, silver and bronze fleets will get under way tomorrow (Monday 3 September) after the weekend break for the team championships.

Published in Optimist

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Optimist Worlds

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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