Ireland’s Eve McMahon finished seventh overall as American Charlotte Rose secured gold in the ILCA 6 Women’s World Championship following a closely fought Medal Series in Dún Laoghaire.
McMahon entered the Medal Series in ninth place, facing a significant points gap in the battle for a medal. A difficult start in the opening race saw her finish eighth, but the second race went better. McMahon led at the bottom gate and remained among the frontrunners to finish third, moving her up to seventh overall.
It was not an easy regatta for the Howth sailor. Dublin Bay delivered a wide range of conditions throughout the six days, demanding versatility, strength and experience.
The 22-year-old recorded two second-place finishes during the championship, an impressive achievement in a fleet featuring multiple world champions and Olympic medallists.
Speaking following the event, she said: “I had a bit of a chaotic week, to be honest, and this event definitely humbled me. But that’s not a bad thing, particularly just before the winter break. It has shown me what I need to work on and where I can improve.
“It has been great having everyone here cheering us on as we launch, and having my family close by. The support throughout the week has been incredible and that has been really special.
“Charlotte has been on fire all week, so her win is thoroughly deserved. I’m delighted for her.”
Rose entered the Medal Series with a nine-point lead, but the new compressed scoring format left little room for error and gave her closest rivals every opportunity to capitalise on any mistake.
She finished second in the opening race after an outstanding performance from Britain’s Matilda Nicholls, before a sixth-place finish in the final race proved enough to seal the world title.
Belgium’s Emma Plasschaert was second and Anna Munch of Denmark was third.
Speaking after her win, Rose said, “I’m so happy and proud of myself for coming into this championship and believing in myself. I came to the start line every day afraid that I wasn’t going to do well, but as soon as the gun went, I backed myself and went for it. It really paid off.
“I couldn’t have achieved this without my coach and the incredible group of sailors I train alongside. The British girls and Eve McMahon make up one of the best training groups in the world, and we are always pushing each other to improve.
“I’ve had a really good season, and to finish it on a high like this is so special.”
In the Gold and Silver Fleets, Annalise Murphy (National Yacht Club), Sienna Wright (Howth Yacht Club) and Irish Sailing Development sailor Lucy Ives (Royal St George Yacht Club) sailed a final race to determine their overall positions ahead of the Medal Series.
Murphy finished 24th overall, while Wright produced an excellent final performance, finishing sixth to take third place overall in the Silver Fleet.
It was an encouraging conclusion for the talented young sailor, who missed out on Gold Fleet qualification by just two points. Greece’s Hermionie Ghicas, who finished ahead of Wright to win gold at last month’s ILCA 6 Youth World Championship, made the Gold Fleet cut and completed the championship in 34th overall.
Competing in her first senior World Championship, Ives gained valuable experience against a world-class fleet. A seventh-place finish was the highlight of a promising week for the Irish Sailing Development sailor.
A short winter break now beckons for the Irish sailors. McMahon will then travel to the Olympic waters of Los Angeles before returning to Portugal to prepare for the next World Championship in Fortaleza, Brazil, in January. The event will also be the first qualification opportunity for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.