Major Task Ahead for Irish Sailors at 49er Europeans
Ireland's Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Sean Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) face a major task to recover ground after racing in 49er class European Championship today (Friday 6th June 2025 - Thessaloniki, Greece) saw the pair slip from fifth to 15th place.
The series continues to be challenged by very light winds and just two races were possible for the opening day of the Gold fleet final round.
Dickson and Waddilove were one of 13 boats disqualified from the opening race for early starting in the difficult conditions. The maximum point score used up their single race discard meaning they had to count their previous worst score of 20th from the qualification round.
"It was a pretty poor day at the office for the boys," commented Matt McGovern, Irish Sailing's 49er coach. "A Black flag and a 20th - that's going to hurt them."
With the approach of a thunderstorm, the schedule was suspended before the third race could be sailed and the fleet was sent ashore.
Ironically, as a measure of the tricky conditions, the Uruguayan crew that took over in fifth place were also disqualified in the same race as the Irish boat but went on to win the second race of the day.
"It's a frustrating day to have dropped so much but we're 20 points off medals at the minute which is a long way but the way things are going - the lads could easily win races as well," said McGovern. "If you get one good race then all of a sudden you're back in the hunt; it's very close but they can't afford any more mistakes."
Subject to weather over the weekend, three races are scheduled on Saturday with more finals racing on Sunday ahead of the medal race final for the top ten boats. Dickson and Waddilove are currently eleven points off the top ten with another ten points from there to the Silver medal position.