Ireland's Robert Dickson and Australian Jack Hildebrand opened their San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta campaign in 21st place after the opening day of racing on the waters that will host the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic sailing competition.
Hildebrand is standing in for Dickson's regular crew Sean Waddilove, who was forced to withdraw from the remainder of the North American Olympic circuit after sustaining a hand injury during training in Long Beach. As Afloat previously reported, the setback necessitated a temporary crew change while Waddilove recovers.
Competing in a world-class fleet of 31 boats, Dickson and Hildebrand faced an immediate examination in classic Pacific conditions. Afternoon sea breezes built into the mid-to-upper teens, while a lively Pacific swell outside the Los Angeles Harbour breakwater rewarded precise boat handling and seamless teamwork.
The Irish-Australian combination posted finishes of 20th, 22nd and 20th to end the opening day 21st overall with 62 points. While not the result the pair would have hoped for, the regatta represents an important opportunity to develop race communication and teamwork against one of the strongest 49er fleets assembled this season.
Germany's Richard Schultheis and Fabian Rieger lead the standings on eight points after three races. France's Erwan Fischer and Clément Péquin are second on 11 points, while Australia's Harry Price and Max Paul occupy third with 15 points.
Fischer said consistency would be crucial as the six-day regatta progresses.
"We did two good starts in the first and second race. The last one wasn't as good, but we managed to come back through the fleet. It's close racing between every boat. Tomorrow we'll try to put together three good races."
Local sailors Grant and Jordan Janov also highlighted the tactical importance of getting away cleanly from the start line.
"We were looking for a high-end port start, exiting to the right, and I think the whole fleet was too. So it was a tough day if you couldn't execute those, but if you could, you were gone," Jordan Janov said.
Racing continues on Tuesday with a further three qualifying races scheduled. The fleet will contest five days of qualifying before the top ten crews advance to Saturday's medal race.
For Dickson and Hildebrand, the week offers valuable experience on the LA 2028 Olympic race course while ensuring Ireland's 49er campaign maintains momentum until Waddilove returns to competition.
