Eve McMahon's defence of her U21 ILCA 6 World Championship title is off to a perfect start in Viana Do Castelo, Portugal, just weeks before the youth star makes her Olympic debut in Paris 2024.
The Howth star won both races in the opening day's competition to lead Australia's Evie Saunders by four points. Lying third is Roos Wind from Holland on eight.
The day began at 11:45 with the D Flags up for the yellow ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 fleets. Wind conditions had a strong breeze clocking from 330º, starting at 12 knots, which was building up to 18 knots by the second race.
All fleets successfully completed two races today.
The Irish Sailor of the Year is the only sailor in Viana who will be competing at both events this summer, an indication of the depth of the HYC star's ambitions.
McMahon won the title last year in Tangier, Morocco, before securing Olympic Qualification for the ILCA 6 class.
Fiachra McDonnell of the Royal St. George Yacht Club is lying 41st in the ILCA 7, and Tom Coulter of East Antrim Boat Club is 110th.
The sailors continue the qualifying races in the picturesque coastal city on Thursday.