Irish Sailing development sailors Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour have claimed bronze in the 49erFX Junior World Championships this weekend in Copenhagen.
A total of 105 teams and 210 athletes from around the globe travelled to the Royal Danish Yacht Club in Rungsted for the 2025 49er and 49erFX Junior World Championships. Ireland was represented by four boats, including Ben O’Shaughnessy (RCYC) and Ethan Spain (NYC) in the 49er class; Erin McIlwaine (RSGYC/Newcastle YC) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim BC), and Lauren O’Callaghan (NYC) and Charlotte Eadie (Ballyholme YC) in the 49erFX; and in the Open category, Oisin Pierse and Fionn Daly (both RCYC).
Erin and Ellen held a top-ten position throughout the competition, climbing from fourth to third on the final day to secure the bronze medal. Despite challenging conditions, including gusty winds, rain, and frustrating lulls, their consistency paid off, with nearly all results placing them in the top ten. Following a 5th-place finish in the U23 category and 14th overall in Gdynia, this weekend’s performance further cements their impressive season.
Lauren O’Callaghan and Charlotte Eadie also posted strong results, finishing 20th in a 29-strong fleet.
Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain faced tricky conditions and finished 27th overall, while Oisin and Fionn, competing in the new FX Open category, finished 19th.
Irish Sailing’s Development Manager, Sean Evans, commented on the 49er Worlds, “The development skiff team of Erin and Ellen have had a progressive summer working towards the Junior Worlds. They had a very competitive start to the first two days of the event to put them in the mix at the front of the fleet. This was followed by two days of watching glass as we waited ashore in anticipation of wind, with no luck. Then came the last day, with four races planned and a good forecast. We launched in 10–12 knots, which built before race one to the mid-to-high teens. The girls had a solid race in the building breeze to finish fourth and move into a bronze medal position.”
Evans continued, “I am over the moon with how the entire skiff team have pushed each other over the last year to allow one of them to have this opportunity to show what is possible in this programme. The future is bright!”
Full results are available here: 2025 Junior World Championship - International 49er Class Association