Ireland's Eve McMahon and Finn Lynch will race for medals at the Los Angeles Sailing Grand Slam on Friday after both secured places in the Final Series. The Irish Olympic sailors go into the medal-deciding races in fourth overall, with the podium still within reach at the venue set to host sailing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Thursday's racing moved inside the Port of Los Angeles breakwater, presenting a very different tactical challenge from the open-water courses used earlier in the regatta.
The change of venue gave competitors another opportunity to gain experience on the future Olympic racecourse.
In the ILCA 6 fleet, Howth Yacht Club's Eve McMahon recorded a sixth and a 16th place. She begins the Final Series tied on points for third with American Charlotte Rose after successfully protesting Rose in the opening race, resulting in the American's disqualification.
Irish Sailing ILCA 6 coach Vasilij Zbogar said the stronger breeze inside the port created demanding conditions.
"We had good breeze today, up to around 16 knots inside the Port where the conditions are a little more difficult. Eve had a solid top ten finish in the opening race, but in the second she just couldn't make the conditions work in her favour."
He added: "The important thing is that we've qualified comfortably for the Medal Series. It's very open, so we'll regroup, prepare well and be ready to fight for the top."
National Yacht Club sailor Finn Lynch posted ninth and 10th-place finishes in the ILCA 7 Gold Fleet to secure his place in the Final Series.
He starts Friday's racing one point behind Britain's Michael Beckett, who currently occupies third overall.
Fellow Howth Yacht Club sailor Ewan McMahon finished 21st and 27th in the Gold Fleet. The results left him outside the top ten and out of the Final Series.
Irish Sailing ILCA 7 coach Ben Walkemeyer said Lynch remains firmly in contention under the new Grand Slam format.
"Gold Fleet racing wrapped up today with Finn finishing just one point off the podium. Under the new format and points adjustment he'll be battling with four or five other sailors for a medal, so it's all still to play for."
Walkemeyer praised Lynch's pace throughout the regatta.
"He sailed some very well-executed races today and his speed has been excellent all week. When he's been able to control his space off the start line he's put together some really strong races."
He also looked ahead to the future for Ewan McMahon.
"Ewan has also shown good speed throughout the regatta but has struggled a little with his starts. That's something we'll continue to work on as we build towards the World Championships in Dublin."
Summing up the week, Walkemeyer said the experience gained at the 2028 Olympic venue would prove valuable.
"Overall, we've taken a huge amount from this week. It's our first time racing at the Los Angeles Olympic venue, so the experience we've gained and the knowledge we've built of the racecourse will be invaluable over the next two years."
The Final Series takes place on Friday, 24 July (Pacific Time). With just two races, no discard and the revised Sailing Grand Slam scoring system in operation, both McMahon and Lynch remain in contention for medals heading into the final day.
