Ireland’s Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove produced a strong response on day two of the 49er World Championship in Quiberon, France, thriving in heavy weather conditions to post race scores of second and third. After a difficult opening day, the Paris 2024 Olympians looked far more comfortable as winds built above 25 knots across Quiberon Bay. Only two races were completed in the Men’s Skiff fleet before racing was abandoned as conditions deteriorated.
Dickson said the Irish crew were satisfied with their progress despite the demanding conditions. “We had a decent day today on the water, and we’re happy with the progress so far at the Championships,” he said. “The standard of the fleet is very high, and there are a lot of very good teams out there, but it’s a long week, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Fast Fleet — Skiffs spread across Quiberon Bay during high-wind racing at the 49er World Championship in France. Strong breeze and steep seas tested crews throughout qualification racing
The Irish pair, who finished fourth at the Paris Olympics, were among the standout performers in the Red Group qualifying fleet. Their improved form follows a difficult Trofeo Princesa Sofia regatta earlier this season, before rebounding with silver medals at the Semaine Olympique Française.
Waddilove said the near miss at the Olympic Games had strengthened their resolve for another campaign. “Coming fourth in the Games was pretty tough, but when you come so close, you know you can definitely fight for a medal, and that’s why I decided to keep on going and do another campaign,” he said.
At the top of the standings, Austria’s Keanu Prettner and Jakob Flachberger retained the overall lead despite a more difficult day in stronger winds.
Britain’s James Grummett and Rhos Hawes delivered the best performance of the day, winning both of their Yellow Group races in challenging conditions. “It was the kind of day where you could capsize and still get a top-eight finish,” Hawes said. “It was a classic 49er race.”
Swiss duo Seb Schneiter and Arno de Planta also impressed in the stronger breeze to move into second overall, just one point behind the Austrian leaders.
49er FX
In the 49erFX fleet, racing was abandoned for the day due to the strengthening wind. Ireland’s Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour remain 32nd overall after completing three races on the opening day of their first senior World Championship campaign.
Qualification racing continues on Thursday before the fleets split into Gold and Silver divisions ahead of the medal series finale on Sunday.
