O’Shaughnessy & Spain Claim Podium Finish at British Nationals
Irish sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain delivered an impressive performance at the British National Championships, securing third place after a challenging four-day regatta.
The event opened with strong breezes that tested every crew’s boat-handling skills. With the wind increasing throughout day one, only a single race could be completed, setting up a packed schedule for the following days.
Over the next three days, endurance and focus became key as four to five races were sailed daily. The standard of competition rose steadily, with several British teams forming new partnerships and improving with each race.
Amidst this, Ben and Ethan put together a consistent series across a range of wind conditions, highlighting the progress they have made during a busy and competitive summer. Their podium finish is a strong marker for what lies ahead.
Other Irish teams also gained valuable experience at the regatta. Erin and Ellen used the event to test new approaches ahead of the Senior World Championships in October, giving them clear direction on where to sharpen their focus. Meanwhile, Lucia and Alana made their long-awaited return to competition after an injury layoff over the summer. Racing their first event in the FX, they showed growing confidence and clear potential as they now look ahead to the Junior Europeans in November.
The British Nationals provided a tough but rewarding test for all the Irish crews, with promising signs across the teams as they continue their preparations for major international events this autumn