A dominant performance in Portugal sees Ireland's Eve McMahon enter the final two races of her 2024 ILCA 6 Under 21 World Championship title defence with a 14-point lead on Monday (July 8th).
After Sunday's windiest day of the competition so far at Viana do Castelo, the Irish Sailor of the Year from Howth Yacht Club has now won half the races sailed and counts no score lower than fifth in her ten race tally.
Sunday had the strongest winds seen yet at this regatta at 330º, beginning at 14 knots and building up to 21 knots by the second race.
McMahon stays on course to retain her title in the 80-boat fleet by this evening (Monday), with Netherland's Roos Wind lying second overall on 32, with one-time championships leader Evie Saunders of Australia third on 35.
Saturday's schedule began at 11:45, with the D Flags up for the yellow ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 fleets. Excellent but challenging racing conditions were experienced where the wind was nearly identical to Friday at 330º, starting at 10 knots and building up to 18 knots by the second race.
McMahon won the title last year in Tangier, Morocco, before securing Olympic Qualification for the ILCA 6 class.
McMahon is competing in Portugal, just weeks before she makes her Olympic debut in Paris 2024.
Fiachra McDonnell of the Royal St. George Yacht Club is lying 62nd in the ILCA 7, and Tom Coulter of East Antrim Boat Club is 103rd in the 155-boat fleet.
Racing concludes on Monday.