Gold fleet racing did not suit overall leaders Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) in the 49er fleet at the 52nd Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca today.
After their stand-out day on Wednesday, the Irish pair started the day wearing the overall leaders' yellow bibs for the 49er skiff class but are now back in 19th place overall, the position they occupied after day one on Tuesday.
With the regatta moving into the decisive Finals phase on the Bay of Palma, leading contenders today finally got their first real feel for how much the level has increased since last season.
But in stark contrast to their earlier form that included two race wins, the Irish Tokyo Olympians appeared to stumble in the lighter winds, notably in their starts. In three out of the four races for the day, the pair placed at the back of their 25-boat Gold fleet.
Only the top ten boats at the end of Friday's racing progress to Saturday's medal race final to determine the podium, and the Dublin pair are now 19th overall.
Results are here
