Dickson and Waddilove Find Form at World Championships
Ireland’s Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove bounced back in style at the 49er World Championships in Quiberon today, delivering a statement performance in punishing conditions off the French coast. With strong winds disrupting racing across the fleet, the Irish duo thrived in the breeze to post a second and third place finish from only two races completed in the Men’s Skiff fleet.
Following a difficult opening day yesterday, Dickson and Waddilove looked far more at home in the heavy conditions, sailing with class against a very strong 49er fleet.
Robert Dickson said after racing, “We had a decent day today on the water and we’re happy with the progress so far at the Championships. The standard of the fleet is very high and there are a lot of very good teams out there, but it’s a long week so we’ll see how it goes.”
The pair delivered two near-flawless races before racing was ultimately abandoned as conditions continued to deteriorate throughout the afternoon.
Men’s Skiff Coach Justus Schmidt said, “It was unfortunate for the guys that only two races were sailed, but there is plenty of this competition to come and we are looking forward to it.”
In the Women’s Skiff fleet racing was postponed entirely due to the heavy winds. Ireland is represented here by Erin McIlwaine (Royal St George YC / Newcastle YC) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Boat Club) who completed three races yesterday and currently sit 32nd overall at their first senior World Championships.
Racing continues tomorrow for the final day of Qualification Series racing before the fleet splits for the Elimination and Gold Fleet stages on Friday. The championship then concludes on Sunday 17 May with the top ten boats advancing to the Final Series for two podium deciding races.