McMahons in Leading Packs as World Championships Finally Under Way
Howth siblings Eve and Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) both hold top ten positions in their events at the ILCA World Championships today (Qingdao, China Friday 16th May 2025) where racing has been beset by light winds.
After no racing for the first four days due to strong currents, thick smog and near calm conditions the 2008 Olympic venue finally permitted racing to begin on the penultimate day of the event.
In the 99-boat women's ILCA 6 fleet, Eve McMahon opened her series with fifth and fourth places that saw her in third overall. But a 14th in their third race allowed the Howth sailor slip back to sixth place.
The men's event wasn't so lucky with wind and just managed to sail two races in lightening conditions.
Consistent sailing from Ewan McMahon placed him in seventh and sixth to hold seventh overall in his 138 boat event.
Team-mate Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) didn't fare as well for the day despite getting two very strong starts and placing in the leading group of boats in the initial stages of both races.
The Carlow sailor dropped to 71st place for the day after 16th and 30th places when he was caught out in windless zones on the course that McMahon proved better at spotting.
“It was a tough day,” commented Ben Walkemeyer, Irish Sailing coach. “It was day five but really it was day one – we had one and half races really because the second one was shortened because of a big windshift.”
Meanwhile, newcomer to senior level Sienna Wright (Howth YC) lies 24th overall in the ILCA6 event after posting a ninth, 18th and 19th for her opening world championship day.
After the disruption caused by four days of no racing, organisers have changed the rules to allow three races per day and each event must complete four races to constitute a championship.
Saturday's forecast for the final day is for much windier weather though not for the first time this week, what the actual conditions are will only be known on the day.
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