McMahon and Lynch Set for Medal Fight in Los Angeles
Ireland's Eve McMahon and Finn Lynch remain firmly in podium contention at the Los Angeles Sailing Grand Slam after both secured places in Friday's Final Series. The pair head into the medal-deciding races in fourth overall, with little separating the leading sailors as competition reaches its conclusion on the waters that will host the sailing events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Racing took place inside the breakwater of the Port of Los Angeles on Thursday, where the tactical challenge is markedly different from the open-water courses sailed earlier in the week. The change in venue presented another valuable opportunity for athletes to build experience on the future Olympic racecourse.
Eve McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) sailed two races in the Women's Dinghy (ILCA 6), recording a sixth and 16th place. She heads into the Final Series tied on points for third with American Charlotte Rose, after successfully protesting Rose in the opening race of the day. The resulting disqualification dropped the American down the standings, leaving the pair level on points heading into the medal-deciding races.
Irish Sailing ILCA 6 Coach Vasilij Zbogar said, “We had good breeze today, up to around 16 knots inside the Port where the conditions are a little more difficult. Eve had a solid top ten finish in the opening race, but in the second she just couldn't make the conditions work in her favour. The important thing is that we've qualified comfortably for the Medal Series. It's very open, so we'll regroup, prepare well and be ready to fight for the top.”
In the Men's Dinghy (ILCA 7), Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) secured his place in the Final Series with ninth and 10th-place finishes. He heads into Friday's medal-deciding races just one point behind Britain's Michael Beckett, who currently occupies third overall.
Further down the Gold Fleet, Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) endured a difficult day, recording 21st and 27th-place finishes. Those results left him outside the top ten, meaning he narrowly misses out on the Final Series.
Irish Sailing ILCA 7 Coach Ben Walkemeyer said, “Gold Fleet racing wrapped up today with Finn finishing just one point off the podium. Under the new format and points adjustment he'll be battling with four or five other sailors for a medal, so it's all still to play for.
“He sailed some very well-executed races today and his speed has been excellent all week. When he's been able to control his space off the start line, he's put together some really strong races. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Final Series.
“Ewan has also shown good speed throughout the regatta but has struggled a little with his starts. That's something we'll continue to work on as we build towards the World Championships in Dublin.
“Overall, we've taken a huge amount from this week. It's our first time racing at the Los Angeles Olympic venue, so the experience we've gained and the knowledge we've built of the racecourse will be invaluable over the next two years.”
The Final Series takes place on Friday, 24 July (Pacific Time), with the new Sailing Grand Slam scoring format ensuring both Eve McMahon and Finn Lynch remain firmly in contention. Starting fourth overall, both are still mathematically very much in the hunt for gold while also facing pressure from the chasing pack immediately behind. With just two races, no discard and every position carrying significant weight, the podium is wide open and everything remains to play for.