Eve McMahon remains in control of the Women’s Dinghy fleet at the halfway stage of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Mallorca. The Howth Yacht Club sailor leads a 143-boat fleet after a single race day limited by conditions.
McMahon placed sixth in the only race sailed, maintaining her overall lead. “The first day of Gold fleet was challenging conditions-wise, but I’m pretty happy with a sixth place,” she said. “It’s my first time here at the Princess Sofia in the yellow jersey. It’s a prestigious event, so I’m very proud.” She now holds a one-point advantage over Belgium’s Emma Plasschaert.
However, McMahon carries a yellow flag penalty into the next race. A second infringement could impact her standings. Youth sailor Sienna Wright continues to impress, sitting 32nd overall after securing a place in the Gold Fleet.
In the Men’s Dinghy fleet, Ewan McMahon slipped from 12th to 17th after a difficult opening Gold Fleet race. “My week so far has been a little snakes and ladders,” he said. “The aim now is to stay consistent and qualify for the medal race.”
Fiachra McDonnell, racing in the Silver Fleet, posted a ninth-place finish despite illness affecting his campaign. Finn Lynch has withdrawn from the regatta due to illness and is expected to recover fully.
A new sailor for Dun Laoghaire's Royal St. George Yacht Club, Finley Dickinson, is lying 18th.
In the Women’s Skiff, Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour sit 39th overall and will not advance to the Gold Fleet. One time leader, Royal Irish's Saskia Tidey, sailing for Team GB with Freya Black, has dropped back to fourth overall.
Olympians Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove narrowly missed Gold Fleet qualification in the 49er class after light winds curtailed racing. Development sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain remain mid-fleet, showing promise in a competitive field.
Racing continues through Thursday and Friday, with the final series racing set for Saturday.
