FISU World University Championship Sailing 2024 Desenzano, Lake Garda
The event which ran from the 4th to the 11th of June, on the Southern end of Lake Garda, was contested in Dolphin 81’s. The event format comprised five qualifying races in two flights of 8 boats followed by four final Gold and Silver fleet races for the 16 teams from 14 nations. Team Ireland from UCC, finished the qualification round in 5th place comfortably qualifying for Gold fleet after a race win in race 5.
The team made up of Míchéal Ó’ Súilleabháin, Michael Carroll, Mia Murphy, Jack O’Sullivan, Lellie Collins, Sally O’Flynn sailed a formidable qualifying series finishing one point off 3rd overall.
The start of finals was marked by each team taking your position from qualifying as the first score for your final series, i.e. the Irish Team carried 5 points as their first race in finals.
It was felt by all members of the team that they were well positioned and building into the regatta strongly, such that following a second race win in the penultimate race of Gold Fleet- they had a straight shoot out for a place on the podium in a tight and exciting end to the World Championship.
During a tactically correct move to try repeat their fantastic start in the previous race, they unfortunately caught the pin-end and a subsequent penalty ended their medal hopes prematurely in the final race.
Despite this it must be noted how well the Irish team adapted to the extremely challenging conditions and technical boats that the Dolphin 81 presented in Desenzano, with excellence in their speed and boat handling a testament to the preparation they had put in prior the event.
A big thank you to all the supporters of the Irish Team, such as Student Sport Ireland, UCC, Bank of Ireland, CH Marine and Irish Sailing. A notable mention must also go to FISU and Fraglia Vela Desenzano for all their work with the organisation of a well-run World Championships along with completing the event schedule despite an average wind strength of four knots throughout the week.