Eve McMahon continues to lead the Women’s Dinghy fleet at the halfway stage of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Mallorca, maintaining her position at the top of a highly competitive 143-boat field.
With racing limited to a single race today, the Howth Yacht Club sailor delivered a composed performance, finishing sixth to retain the overall lead.
"The first day of Gold fleet was challenging conditions-wise, but I’m pretty happy with a sixth place. It’s my first time here at the Princess Sofia in the yellow jersey, it’s a prestigious event so I’m very proud and looking forward to the rest of the week,” said McMahon.
She now holds a narrow advantage of one point over two-time Olympian, and double World Champion, Emma Plasschaert of Belgium but McMahon will carry a yellow flag penalty into tomorrow, which she incurred on the downwind section of her race. A second penalty could affect her placings.
Youth sailor Sienna Wright (Howth Yacht Club) is having a remarkable regatta sailing amidst this high class fleet. She also secured her place in the Gold Fleet and sits 32nd overall, with two days of Elimination series racing remaining.
In the Men’s Dinghy fleet, Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) faced a more challenging opening day in Gold Fleet racing. With only one race completed, he slipped from 12th to 17th overall.
Ewan McMahon commented after racing, “My week so far has been a little snakes and ladders, so the aim is now to stay consistent, get some good races in and qualify for the medal race.”
Irish Sailing Development sailor Fiachra McDonnell (Royal Irish Yacht Club) is competing in the Men’s Dinghy Silver Fleet. McDonnell showed very promising early form including a 10th in the Qualification series, but illness has impacted his performances. He took a ninth place in today’s racing in trying conditions.
Teammate Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) will not compete for the remainder of the regatta due to illness. Lynch is expected to make a full recovery.
On the Women’s Skiff course, two races were sailed in the Qualification series. Erin McIlwaine (Royal St George Yacht Club / Newcastle Yacht Club) and Ellen Barbour (Newcastle Boat Club) managed only one top 20 result which will leave them out of Gold Fleet racing from tomorrow and sitting 39th overall.
The 49er / Men’s Skiff fleet was also only able to complete one race due to diminishing winds later in the day, leaving Olympians Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Sean Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) just out of Gold Fleet following their Qualification series.
Irish Sailing Development sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club) are currently positioned mid-fleet in this highly competitive senior regatta. The U23 European Champions are showing strong potential and will be happy with their performance.
Racing continues on Thursday and Friday to conclude the Elimination series. The top ten boats from each of the ten events will then sail two Final Series races on Saturday to decide the podium for this regatta.