Dickson and Waddilove in Winning Form for Opening Race of World Championship
Ahead of a 15-race series, Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Sean Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) delivered an impressive opening race result for the 49er World Championships in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy - Tuesday 7th October 2025) as the pair led their race from the start.
Opting to port tack the fleet at the committee boat end, the double Olympians enjoyed clear air ahead and continued to extend over the chasing pack.
Approaching the finishing line, the back markers in the race were only just passing the windward mark and the result was a welcome indicator of potential for the coming five days.
However, it was short-lived as the Irish boat joined the back-markers themselves for the next two races
"The second two races were quite tricky as the sun was very low on the water and the wind became shifty so it was hard to spot," commented Dickson. "Overall, it was a pretty okay day and happy with the opening race win. We were definitely fast and starting well so it's looking good for the week."
Wednesday's forecast suggests a repeat of Day 1 when the wind was lighter for the 49er FX fleets the sailed first followed in the later afternoon by the men's events; the order of racing will reverse for Day 2 with the men racing earlier.
"Today's plan was start with options and put yourself between the mark and the fleet - that happened for race one," commented Matt McGovern, Irish Sailing's 49er coach. "After that it started to get light and very fickle."
While the pair concentrated on looking out of the boat, even spotting key competitors against the low setting sun was challenging so without seeing the results, the overall standings at this qualification stage were unclear immediately after coming ashore.
"After Day 1, I don't think we'd even look at the results as this is a 15 race regatta," said Waddilove after coming ashore just before sunset. "We won't change too much for day two and we'll stick to our process."
Two more days of racing will decide the split for Gold fleet while the end of the event features an experimental medal race format that will see all but the top four boats eliminated for the single short race as the new system is being tested ahead of potential adoption for the LA2028 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Ireland had two newcomer crews take their first steps at senior level in the 49er and women's 49erFX in Cagliari.
Erin McIlwaine (Newcastle Yacht Club) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Yacht Club) completed all three opening day races in their Yellow Qualifying group.
In the Men's 49er event, Ben O'Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club) achieved a 15th place in their third race as they got to grips with the top world talent at the event.
Racing continues tomorrow and can be followed HERE