McMahon Holds Medal Position Heading into Penultimate Day in Palma
Eve McMahon remains firmly in medal contention at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Palma, sitting third overall at the end of Day Four of racing.
Following a lighter day of racing today, Thursday 2 April, the Howth Yacht Club sailor held her position inside the top three of the 143-boat women’s dinghy fleet. McMahon is currently tied on points with Great Britain’s Daisy Collingridge in second, as the regatta enters its final stages.
Competing in challenging and variable conditions, McMahon delivered a strong performance across three races, including a second-place finish. Two results in the low teens saw her relinquish the overall lead, but she remains well placed heading into the final day of Gold Fleet racing.
Eve McMahon commented after racing: “Overall, I’m satisfied with today’s sailing. The conditions were incredibly unstable, making this one of the toughest regattas I’ve competed in so far, so I’m pleased with how I performed. We only had one truly consistent race today, but I really enjoyed that one. With three races left tomorrow, it’s still all to play for. I’ll be heading into the final day focused on each performance rather than the overall results.”
Youth sailor Sienna Wright (Howth Yacht Club) continues to impress, maintaining her position in Gold Fleet. A best result of 10th on the day underlines her growing confidence in a highly experienced field.
In the men’s dinghy, Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) produced a strong showing, highlighted by a fourth-place finish. A later result of 20th, counted as he had already used his discard, leaves him 11th overall and within reach of the top ten heading into the final day of the Elimination Series.
Irish Sailing coach Ben Walkemeyer commented: “Ewan delivered a solid performance overall today, particularly in the opening race. In the second race, his downwind speed was excellent and played a key role in improving his position. Heading into the final day of Gold Fleet racing, he’s firmly in contention and very much in the mix for a place in the final.”
Irish Sailing Development sailor Fiachra McDonnell (Royal Irish Yacht Club) continues to perform well in Silver Fleet, sitting ninth overall following a solid day of racing.
In the men’s skiff class, Olympians Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Sean Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) did not progress to Gold Fleet racing and will conclude their participation at this event as they reset their programme ahead of the World Championships in May.
Development squad pairing Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club) continue to gain valuable experience in the Silver Fleet, delivering consistent mid-fleet performances in a highly competitive senior field.
In the women’s skiff, Erin McIlwaine (Royal St George Yacht Club / Newcastle Yacht Club) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Boat Club) recorded a best result of 11th as they continue their first season at senior level.
Gold Fleet racing concludes on Friday, with the top ten boats in each class advancing to Saturday’s Final Series, where two races will decide the podium positions.