Howth Yacht Club's young skiff sailors, Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove have confirmed their ambitious bid to represent Ireland at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The announcement, made during the Commodore's Lunch at the club last Friday, marks a new chapter in their illustrious sailing careers, as they aim for their third consecutive Olympic Games in the 49er class.

Both proud Dubliners, Dickson (Sutton) and Waddilove (Skerries) have been standout competitors since their early days. They rose to prominence with a victory at the 2018 U23 49er World Championships, a feat that earned them the prestigious Volvo Irish Sailor of the Year title. Their partnership is a testament to Ireland's strength in the sport of sailing, blending talent, determination, and exceptional teamwork. Their Olympic journey began at Tokyo 2020, where they delivered a strong performance, finishing 13th overall, including a victory in one of the races. Despite narrowly missing out on a medal in Marseille during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they placed just outside the podium positions, their resilience and competitive spirit clearly remain unshaken, having learned from everything they experienced.

Sean Waddilove continues to study Sports Science at Technological University Dublin, balancing academics with his rigorous training schedule. Meanwhile, Robert Dickson, now living in Belfast, is putting his hands-on skills to use—most recently, tackling kitchen renovations in his new home. These personal details offer a glimpse of their grounded approach to life outside of competitive sailing, demonstrating their ability to juggle demanding personal and professional commitments.

Rob and Sean have consistently competed against the best in the world, with numerous top finishes in elite events. Their qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics was particularly dramatic, clinching Ireland's place at the 49er European Championships in Vilamoura after an intense battle with other nations. They showcased their expertise in light wind conditions, securing a fourth-place finish overall amidst a competitive fleet, including reigning Olympic champions and world-class opponents. The pair have also benefited from strong support systems, including their dedicated coach Matt McGovern, as well as funding and guidance from Irish Sailing and Sport Ireland. These resources have bolstered their preparation for international competitions to date and hopefully will play a pivotal role as they aim for Los Angeles 2028.

With their eyes firmly set on the future, Rob and Sean aim to build on their extensive experience and sharpen their skills for the next Olympic cycle. They plan to incorporate lessons learned from their previous campaigns while continuing to inspire a new generation of Irish sailors. Their journey underscores the importance of perseverance and innovation in high-performance sport. Both are members of our club and along with fellow Howth Olympian ILCA sailor Eve McMahon, their success highlights the thriving sailing community in Ireland and the strong tradition of excellence it fosters. Club members, fans, and supporters will undoubtedly rally behind the duo as they embark on their next long campaign.

Expressing their gratitude at the Commodore's Lunch, Rob and Sean thanked their families, supporters, and the sailing community for their unwavering belief in their potential. Their announcement comes as an exciting moment not only for HYC but for the entire Irish sailing community. Their sights are set high, and with a history of rising to the occasion, Rob and Sean might be poised to be formidable contenders as they prepare for another Olympic chapter. Ireland will be watching as they chart their 4-year course towards Los Angeles.