Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove returned to the top of the Men’s 49er fleet on Day Three of Hyères Olympic Sailing Week, while Eve McMahon continues her strong form to move into second overall in the ILCA 6.
Racing was delayed across all fleets on the opening day of the Elimination Series in Hyères, as strong winds kept sailors ashore before action got underway later in the afternoon.
With Irish sailors competing in Gold Fleet across the 49er and both dinghy classes, it proved to be a demanding but intriguing day on the water.
In the 49er fleet, Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) thrived in the conditions, delivering a composed and confident performance in the strong breeze. The Dublin pair demonstrated excellent boat handling to secure a fourth and third place from their opening two races.
Their final race saw them well placed before an abandoned start, and despite a difficult restart, they recovered strongly to secure another top-ten finish. They now lead the Gold Fleet, pulling clear of current world number ones Andrew Mollerus and Trevor Bornarth (USA), who they had been tied with for much of the week.
Speaking after racing, the duo were upbeat: “We’re happy with how we’re sailing at the moment. Our starts have been strong and the boat speed is good. Today’s conditions were challenging, particularly downwind with the sea state, but it’s encouraging to see that we’re performing well across both strong and light winds.”
Dickson added: “Our focus remains on process goals for the rest of the regatta, particularly around starts and strategy. If we can continue to execute there, it should put us in a good position heading into the final series.”
In the women’s dinghy gold fleet, Eve McMahon (Howth YC) showed resilience in the tough conditions, battling through unstable sea states and multiple capsizes across the fleet to complete two races. The Olympian delivered another assured performance, finishing eighth and fourth to move into second overall in this highly experienced field.
The strengthening winds provided valuable experience for 49er development sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club), who placed 18th in their opening race before being forced to retire later in the day due to a gear failure.
In the ILCA 7 fleet, Ireland’s sole Gold Fleet representative Fiachra McDonnell (Royal Irish Yacht Club) will also take plenty from the challenging conditions, completing two races and continuing to build experience at this level.
In the 49erFX fleet, Erin McIlwaine (Royal St George/Newcastle Yacht Club) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Boat Club) handled the conditions well, recording a sixth and 11th place to sit 19th overall.
In the ILCA 7 Silver Fleet, Finn Lynch (National YC) and Ewan McMahon (Howth YC) lead the standings as they now use the regatta to refine key skills and strategy.
Racing continues tomorrow as the Elimination Series progresses, with the top 10 boats advancing to Saturday’s Final Series, where points will be reset.
