Ireland is racing in the Macao Match Cup, as the opening round of the World Match Racing Tour got underway in China, with Waterford's Ruairi Finnegan finding conditions taxing.
Racing began in light, shifting winds on the Maliuzhou Waterway, testing crews over the opening eight flights of the round-robin stage.
Twelve international teams are competing, including former world champion Nick Egnot-Johnson. France’s Aurélien Pierroz secured the first win of the 2026 season, defeating Australia’s Zac West. Top seed Cole Tapper suffered an early setback, losing his opening race to USA skipper Christian Prendergast.
France’s Ian Garreta and Sweden’s Oscar Engström led the standings with four wins each.
Engström said, “We’re happy with the result. When it became very light, it was about keeping the boat moving.” Garreta added, “We are in a good position, but the regatta is long, so we must stay focused.”
A drop in wind pressure during one race created difficult conditions, with crews forced to adjust rapidly to maintain speed.
Principal Race Officer David Brookes completed eight flights on the opening day. Stronger winds are forecast for the next stage of racing, with teams expected to push harder as the competition develops.
The top eight crews will advance to the quarter-finals, with racing continuing through to 29 March.
Ruairi Finnegan sits bottom of the round robin standings after day one in Macao
