O’Callaghan and Seaton end campaign on a high

IRELAND’S 49er skiff duo Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern finished 10th overall in their category yesterday to end an excellent Irish campaign at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Western Australia.

The chief objectives were achieved with the 49er, Star and Laser Radial class securing Olympic qualification and based on the displays of the past fortnight, hopes are high that a podium finish can be achieved in Weymouth next year.

The 49er pair had an outside chance of a medal but one poor tack early on cost them dearly.

McGovern explained: “When we fluffed our first tack that was really our challenge over. But top 10 in the world is great and racing on a day like this with a big grandstand boosts your confidence. Sailing like this is so much a confidence sport and that will keep us going for a long time. We are going home happy for Christmas.”

The 49er duo and Annalise Murphy both achieved personal best finishes at world championships and Irish sailing’s performance director James O’Callaghan is in confident mood heading into an Olympic year.

O’Callaghan explained: “This a great platform to build on. I don’t think we can ask for more at the moment.

“This shows how healthy the programme is and that the system we have worked hard to put in place is working.

“A lot of credit goes to the teams and the hard work that they have done. I think it shows we are in good shape looking towards the Olympics. There were little mistakes for the Star class crew, but I think everybody comes away from this with a good feeling. And that is vital.

“Progress is a great motivator.”