Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour (IRL 107) have concluded their campaign at the 2026 49erFX World Championship, held in Quiberon, France from 12–17 May. Competing against 52 boats from nations across the globe, the pair finished 32nd overall, a strong result on the world stage in what was a fiercely competitive fleet.
The regatta saw Norway’s Pia Dahl Andersen and Nora Edland take top honours in the FX fleet, with Spain’s Paula Barceló and Maria Cantero in second and Poland’s Aleksandra Melzacka and Sandra Jankowiak in third.
Erin and Ellen’s performance over the full series showed real consistency, highlighting a week of racing against some of the best 49erFX sailors in the world.
”"To compete at a 49erFX World Championship is a massive achievement in itself, but to perform consistently across a full week of racing against the best sailors in the world shows just how far Erin and Ellen have come. We're incredibly proud of them both."
Andrew BakerPerformance Manager, Northern Ireland Sailing Team
We’re incredibly proud of both sailors for representing Ireland on the world stage. Well done, Erin and Ellen!
Full results: 49er.org
