It’s often in the smallest of details that the the greatest of moments are created. Irish Sailing took a novel approach to getting some of those right on Monday when putting their Olympic class sailors through a day replicating every aspect of what it would be like to compete in a medal race at a major championship.

The intention was to simulate the intensity of a major international regatta, competing against each other, their coaches and the elements.

The media played a part as well with the sailors introduced on the microphone by Performance Director James O’Callaghan into a ‘mixed zone’ set up at Irish Sailing performance base behind the Irish Lights HQ on Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

ILCA 6 World Championship bronze medallist Eve McMahon (Howth Yacht Club), two times Olympian Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) and in-form Ewan McMahon (Howth YC) were all part of the day as well as Tokyo and Paris Olympian Robert Dickson (Howth YC), who is set to compete next week at the 49er European Championships in Greece alongside his sailing partner Sean Waddilove who was present on shore to support the day’s activity.

In testing conditions, it was Finn Lynch who came out on top, showing his experience and form to secure the overall win. Ewan McMahon finished a close second, pipping his younger sister, while development squad sailor Tom Coulter (East Antrim Boat Club) impressed with a composed and consistent performance to take third overall.

Journalists also had the chance to observe racing from the water, an exercise carried out previously in pre-Covid times and well received as a different experience by those who were able to join the crew.

“It was a great test out there today,” said race winner Finn Lynch.

“It really gave us the feeling of a big event. Wind shifts, big gusts—everything you need to prepare for top-level competition.”

“This event is all about simulation, replicating the full race day experience, including media exposure and decision-making under pressure,” added O’Callaghan.

“With the conditions we had today, the athletes got an excellent test and responded really well.”

With just weeks to go until key summer events, including the European and World Championships, Ireland’s elite sailors will continue their preparations as they aim to peak on the world stage.

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Great access for the media and a good learning experience for the sailors so that when it matters most, albeit maybe with a bit less fun on the biggest of stages, at least they will have a sense of what to expect. Great job.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta will take place from July 10th to 13th.

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