Irish battle gamely but Danes dominate

An intense battle unfolded yesterday in the waters below the historic Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven, Co. Cork.

For the next five days 52 of the world’s top female match-racing sailors will compete for the title of 2014 ISAF Women’s Match Racing World champion and the €10,000 prize fund.

Sunshine greeted the crews as they sailed out to the race area at 9.30am. International Race Officer, Peter Crowley, got racing underway in a freshening north westerly breeze.

Among the 13 international teams representing eight nations are two Irish entries, skippered by Laura Dillon from Howth Yacht Club and Mary O’Loughlin from Royal St George Yacht Club in Dublin.

The first race sailed was between Dillon’s Team Ireland 1 and Team Sweden 2, skippered by Caroline Sylvia. Unfortunately a mighty broach by Dillon cost the Irish team the race and it took some time to rectify.

Team New Zealand, skippered by Claudia Pierce and crewed by her Irish team mates had a sparkling day. “We had a great pre-start against Anne Claire Le Berre’s Team France pushing her out and making her do penalty turns at the start. This let us get away and sail clean for the race”.

However, it was the two Danish teams that dominated the day. World #1 Camilla Ulrikkeholm and World #4 Lotte Meldgaard Pedersen ensured straight wins for all of their respective races.

They were followed closely by Stephanie Roble of the USA with only one loss of the day.

Event organisers had planned a ‘Sail in the City’ festival for tomorrow but due to the forecast of heavy rain and strong winds the event has been cancelled.