Final World Cup Regatta of the 2012-2013 Sailing Series

The final World Cup Regatta of the 2012-2013 Sailing Series has come to a close for the two Irish Olympic sailors competing. Although racing continues tomorrow for sailors that made the top 10, Ireland will not be represented in the show down.

Annalise Murphy's poor start to the event ultimately cost her the chance of competing in the final medal races. Another casualty was Chinese Olympic gold medallist Xu Lija whose slow start was also her downfall. Neither girl will be too worried as both the World Championships and Europeans are still to come later in the summer. However, it is clear a lot of work needs to be put in between now and then for Murphy to turn her fortunes around. In the end she blitzed the Silver fleet, as would be expected, and finished the regatta in 29th overall.

Meanwhile in the 113 boat Laser fleet, Northern Ireland's James Espey got off to an incredible start. Winning the first race, Espey was tied for second place after three races on Day 1. The solid start gave him the platform needed to qualify for the Gold fleet. He showed glimpses of his potential in gold but lacked the consistency to maintain a high overall placing. Nevertheless, he will take great confidence from this performance and it sets him up well for a busy summer schedule. Overall he finished a very respectable 34th.