Dickson and Waddilove Lead Irish Challenge at European Championships
Irish Olympians Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove continue their campaign towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games this week as they line up at the 2026 49er European Championships in Eckernförde, Germany.
The championship, taking place from 7–12 July on Germany's Baltic coast, has attracted a world-class fleet of 194 entries and represents a key milestone in the international skiff racing calendar, with Europe's best crews set to compete across six days of racing.
Dickson and Waddilove will lead a strong Irish contingent that also includes development pairing Ben O'Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club), who have been gaining valuable experience at the highest level of international competition.
In the Women's 49erFX fleet, Erin McIlwaine (Newcastle Yacht Club) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Boat Club) will continue their first senior international campaign. The pair have shown steady progress throughout the season and will look to build further confidence against Europe's leading crews.
Fresh from a 14th-place finish at Kieler Woche, Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Sean Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club) will be looking to better that performance in Eckernförde. Weather conditions in Kiel resulted in a significantly reduced racing schedule which limited opportunities for the fleet. By contrast, Eckernförde's flatter waters are expected to provide more favourable conditions for 49er racing and a fuller championship programme.
49er Coach Benjamin Bildstein commented, “Preparation has gone well and we're happy with where the guys are at heading into the Europeans. We've got a clear strategy for the week and the key will be consistency. It's a long championship and there will always be challenges along the way, but if we can execute well in the qualification rounds and keep improving each day, we'll put ourselves in a strong position when it matters most.”
O'Shaughnessy and Spain continue to make the most of their first full season on the senior circuit. The pair have recorded race wins and multiple top-three finishes in Gold Fleet, providing plenty of encouragement ahead of the 2026 Junior World Championships in Medemblik, the Netherlands, which take place after the European Championships from 19–26 July.
In the 49erFX fleet, Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour arrive in Eckernförde after a challenging regatta at Kieler Woche. Despite the difficult conditions, Irish Sailing 49erFX Coach Matt McGovern believes the pair have taken positive steps forward and is optimistic about the week ahead.
"It's shaping up to be a good week, with a decent breeze forecast for the opening days, so boat speed will be a key factor," said McGovern. "The girls have been putting a huge amount of work into getting their new boat set up exactly how they want it, and we're confident that investment will pay off. It's an exciting step forward for them and should make a real difference to their performance. If we can combine that with good starts, they'll give themselves every opportunity to have a strong championship."
Also competing at the championships is Royal St George Yacht Club sailor Lucia Cullen, who will race under the Dutch flag alongside Anne de Kort. Cullen is continuing to maximise valuable international racing opportunities while she searches for a new Irish partner for her 49erFX campaign.
Racing begins on Tuesday 7 July and consists of three days of Qualification Series, two days of Gold Fleet / Elimination and then a Final Series of two races on Sunday 12 July.
Further details on the Event Page: 2026 European Championship - International 49er Class Association
You can view Irish Sailing Senior Athlete Profiles here: Irish Sailing > Performance > The Senior Team