World Class: Carlow’s Lynch strikes Gold for Ireland at Sailing Grand Slam Final
Carlow's Finn Lynch celebrates his Gold-medal victory at the Sailing Grand Slam Final in the Netherlands today (Sunday, Sep 21). Photo: © SAILING ENERGY/Dutch Water Week
Carlow sailor Finn Lynch capped off a momentous season today (Sunday, September 21), claiming a gold medal at the Sailing Grand Slam Final in the Netherlands.
In the ILCA 7 fleet, Lynch navigated the early rounds in mid-fleet positions before the knockout stages reset the competition where the National Yacht Club’s star sailor advanced to the final three.
Lynch was breathing rarified air as he lined up alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Brando Chiavarini and Britain’s Michael Beckett - the world’s top-ranked sailor.
“The final race was a strange one, we had 50-degree shifts in the wind, and I was last on the second lap,” the Carlow sailor said.
“But the boys ahead didn’t see a mark change that I spotted, and I managed to slip through for the win.
“I didn’t have my best week overall, but today I sailed well, and it’s fantastic to end the season with a Gold medal.”
There was also success at the event for Eve McMahon of Howth Yacht Club, who won a silver medal at the ILCA 6 regatta.
Lynch and McMahon’s success brings Ireland’s tally in the new Grand Slam Series to five podium finishes between them, underscoring a landmark year for Irish sailing.
In total, the season has delivered seven international medals, including a World Championship Bronze, five Grand Slam podiums, and a Bronze at the U23 European Championships.
The Grand Slam Final brings the curtain down on an outstanding season for Ireland’s ILCA sailors, firmly establishing the nation among the world’s leading sailing countries.
