Ireland qualifies in 49er

Fitzpatrick and Brown through to Olympics at conclusion of 49er Worlds in Athens

Tom Fitzpatrick and Frazer Brown sailed into Irish sailing folklore in Athens today (Monday, April 19) when, after a three year effort, they qualified to become Ireland's first ever Olympic representatives in the high performance 49er dinghy class.

The north-south partnership of Fitzpatrick from Howth and Brown from Co.Down made the grade at the very last opportunity at the class world championships, a regatta that was being sailed only a few kilometres away from August's Olympic sailing venue itself.

"We are so happy to finally qualify and relieved at the same time. It will be a dream come true when we get to the start line in Athens, among the worlds best sailors and experience the Olympic Games," said helmsman Fitzpatrick after he came ashore.

The duo finished 22nd overall at the championships with a fourth place being their best individual performance of the 14-race series.