Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove secure Olympic sailing qualification

After a tense wait for wind to arrive at the 49er European Championships in Vilamoura Portugal, sailors Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove were confirmed as winners of the single nation place for the Paris 2024 Olympics decided after this six-day event.

The Dublin crew were waiting to compete in the medal race final for the top ten boats in their men's skiff event.

There were 91 starters in the championship before Italy emerged as the main rival to Ireland for the single qualification place.

Light winds beset the event and a total calm meant no racing was possible on the final day.

Dickson and Waddilove narrowly missed out on qualifying in The Hague last August by one nation place so this week's result finishes off their season on a high note.

The pair represented Ireland in the skiff at Tokyo 2020, their first Olympic outing and will now face selection trials, though are considered the principal contenders for the place on their form to date.