Singapore’s Ryan Lo Extends Championship Lead as Lynch Slips Outside Top Ten
It was a difficult day on the water for Ireland’s Finn Lynch, who dropped 11 places overall at the ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship in Dún Laoghaire today, Friday 28 August.
The heavy overnight rain cleared from Dublin Bay by mid-morning, allowing a light breeze of six to eight knots to fill in as the fleet prepared for the fourth day of racing.
The opening Gold Fleet race saw a large number of sailors cross the line before the start signal. With the new Vakaros start line technology in use, each sailor was immediately notified and required to return behind the line before beginning their race.
Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) was caught in the disruption and forced to restart, leaving him at the back of the fleet from the outset. He recovered a number of places but finished 33rd, a result that dropped him to seventh overall.
There was little reprieve in the second race, with the Carlow sailor finishing 43rd. That result saw him slip to 13th overall, five points outside the top ten. However, with two races scheduled for tomorrow, a top-ten finish remains firmly within reach.
Ewan McMahon (Howth Yacht Club) was also caught in the disruption at the start of the opening race, leaving him at the back of the fleet. He recovered strongly in the second race, making a smart call to take the left side of the course before finishing 14th. That result moved him up several places to 33rd overall.
Singapore’s Ryan Lo continues to lead the Gold Fleet after another consistent day on the water.
Speaking after racing, he said: “The conditions here are much trickier than they might seem, but it is a good challenge, I’m really enjoying sailing here on Dublin Bay. I had a tough opening race where I didn’t really back myself and ended up paying dearly for it. In the second race I trusted my instincts and finished third, so I was happy with that.”
In the Bronze Fleet, Irish Sailing Development sailors Fiachra McDonnell (Royal Irish Yacht Club) and Bobby Driscoll (Ballyholme Yacht Club) continue to gain valuable experience at their first senior World Championship. McDonnell currently sits 12th overall in the fleet.
Racing continues tomorrow with two races scheduled on the final day of Gold Fleet competition. The races will be crucial for Finn Lynch as he looks to secure a place in the top ten and progress to the Medal Series.
The championship concludes on Sunday, 30 August, with two Medal Series races deciding the final podium positions. The action will be livestreamed on the ILCA YouTube channel.