Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove finished 16th overall at the 420 Junior European Championships 2013, which were held in Pwllhei, Wales between the 14th-22nd August 2013. A fleet of 96 boats lined up on the beach each day waiting for the D flag to be lowered. Then it was every sailor for him/ herself as they all launched together.
2 HYC 420s travelled in an Irish squad of 7 boats. Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove and Ewan McMahon and Colin O'Sullivan made the short trip across the Irish Sea. 12 races were scheduled. However with one day blown out and one day lost to no wind, 10 races were completed with the use of the rest day. Racing was generally held in light to moderate winds until the 2nd last day with gust of up to 25 knots and a large sea which resulted in many capsizes and leader board changes. There was no racing on the final day due to the lack of wind.
Robert and Sean made the Gold fleet and finished 16th overall, sailing very consistently with 10 top 20 places. Ewan and Colin finished 28th in the Silver fleet.
The two crews have put in a huge effort this season travelling to the ISAFs in Cyprus (Robert & Sean), the French Nationals, and the World Championships in Valencia and to the Junior Europeans in Wales. No doubt their experiences this summer and the learning curve they have been on will put them in good shape for the future. Indeed with Ewan and Colin effectively one year behind in terms of sailing the 420, great things can be expected from this duo also.
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