Sailing star Erin McIlwaine is hoping to know the Portuguese coastline like the back of her hand as she sets her sights on the 2023 European Championships.
The 18-year-old from Kilkeel races for Ireland in the 49er class with Ellie Cunnane and is set to embark on a busy spell of winter training in Vilamoura, the venue which will host October’s competition.
With World Championships at senior and junior level also on the horizon in a busy 2023, McIlwaine wants to enter the new year in the best possible shape and hopes her familiarity with the conditions will pay off when it matters.
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“Our aim is to compete well in the European Championships in October time, so we will have the winter training in Vilamoura to prepare for that event,” said McIlwaine.
“It is important to get out on the water and get used to the shape of the land, how that affects the wind and all that technical knowledge which will help you while you are competing.”
McIlwaine and Cunnane are both relatively new to their 49er class boat, having only started sailing together in January.
The former junior topper world champion, who is in her first year studying physiotherapy at Trinity College Dublin, will start training back in Ireland in March ahead of the busy spell of competitions as she and Cunnane look to peak at just the right time.
“The winter season is our training season,” she added.
“A lot of the teams, especially in the colder countries, would fly internationally and go training.
"In Ireland in the winter, there is either lots of wind or no wind and it is also quite cold, whereas in the warmer countries, the weather will be a lot more consistent.
“Vilamoura and Lanzarote are the most popular training bases for European sailors, especially in the 49ers, so over the new year there will be a lot of boats there.
“We’ve only got two boats in that class in Ireland at the moment, so it is important to go out to Vilamoura to train with the world’s best.”
Erin benefits from financial support from Boost Drinks provides young athletes with financial support, recognition, and personal development opportunities through its partnership with SportsAid. Each athlete receives a £1,000 award which contributes towards costs such as travel, accommodation, and equipment – for more information visit www.boostdrinks.com
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