Royal Irish Yacht Club sailor Saskia Tidey has been named among the 49erFX teams to watch in 2026 as the new Olympic sailing cycle begins.
Tidey, from Dun Laoghaire, is currently campaigning with Freya Black as the pair set their sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The British duo are regarded by class observers as consistent contenders in the fast-skiff class.
The recognition comes ahead of the opening major regatta of the season in Palma, where a deep and competitive international fleet is expected. Black and Tidey delivered strong results in 2025. They won the Palma event and Kiel Week and finished fourth at the 49erFX World Championships.
Class commentators note the pair are “almost always in the mix near the top of the fleet”. Their experience in Palma Bay is also expected to play a role as the new season begins.
Tidey has already competed at three Olympic Games. She represented Ireland at Rio 2016 before sailing for Great Britain at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
The 49erFX fleet continues to deepen with new partnerships emerging across several nations.
Among the teams attracting attention are Spain’s Paula Barceló and Maria Cantero, Sweden’s Vilma Bobeck and Ebba Berntsson, and Canadian sisters Georgia and Antonia Lewin-Lafrance.
The return of Dutch Olympic champion Odile van Aanholt with new crewmate Marissa Ijben is another storyline to watch. With multiple teams capable of winning, the Palma regatta is expected to offer the first clear indication of the form teams will bring into the 2026 season.
