Bronze for Ireland at U23 49er European Championships
Irish Sailing Development sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club) have secured a bronze medal at the U23 49er European Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal, today, Saturday 14 November.
After two days of postponements due to storms sweeping across Portugal, racing finally got underway on Friday 13 November. Conditions had improved significantly, with winds starting at approximately 10 knots before building to 20 knots throughout the day.
The disrupted schedule left just two days to complete the championship, with the 49er and 49erFX fleets sailing an intensive eight-race series.
O’Shaughnessy and Spain faced a challenging opening day, with strong gusts and an unsettled sea state testing crews across the fleet. The Irish pair finished the day just outside the top ten, recording a fifth place as their best result.
Saturday brought ideal conditions for skiff sailing and the pair took full advantage, recording two third-place finishes to climb the leaderboard and secure bronze.
There was some late drama, however, when their result in race six became the subject of a protest that threatened to put their medal hopes in jeopardy. The hearing ultimately went in their favour, confirming their place on the podium.
The bronze adds to an impressive run of international results for the Irish Sailing Development sailors, who were crowned U23 European Champions in 2025 and finished fifth at the 49er Junior World Championships earlier this year.
Speaking after racing, helm Ben O’Shaughnessy said: “We had a tricky first day so I’m very glad we sailed so well today. It was a bit of a stressful afternoon with the protest but we’re delighted with the third place.
“We’ve done a lot of training since the fifth place in the Junior Worlds and we’re glad to be back in the medals here today at the Europeans.”
Also representing Ireland in the 49erFX fleet were Elysia O’Leary (Royal St George Yacht Club) and Alana Twomey (Royal Cork Yacht Club), who finished seventh overall, with a fourth place their best result across the eight-race series. The result reflects the progress made by the pair throughout the 2026 season, with their growing international experience proving valuable in the challenging conditions.
Japan’s Manase Ichihashi and Rinko Goto claimed the U23 European title in the 49erFX fleet.
Competing in the 49erFX Open category, which also accommodated crews outside the U23 age category and male competitors, Ireland’s Erin McIlwaine (Newcastle Yacht Club) and Ellen Barbour (County Antrim Boat Club) finished fifth overall. The pair ended the championship strongly, taking two race wins on the final day.
With their Los Angeles 2028 Olympic campaign well underway, McIlwaine and Barbour used the championship as a valuable opportunity for racing and training as they continue their preparations.
The pair will remain in Vilamoura for the Vilamoura Grand Prix from 26–29 November, where they will be joined by Irish Olympic 49er sailors Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Seán Waddilove (Skerries Sailing Club).
Full Results HERE