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Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove competing in Tokyo. Oceansport/Dave Branigan/INPHO

Irish sailors Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove disqualified from today's races in Tokyo

The 49er team’s harness was deemed to be overweight.

LAST UPDATE | 29 Jul 2021

IRISH 49ER PAIR Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove have been disqualified from today’s races at the Tokyo Olympics. 

The pair, who claimed victory on their Olympic debut two days ago, were competing in Races Five and Six this morning.

However, during the post-race checks a protest was received from the Technical Committee alleging that their trapeze harness was overweight.

The case was heard and their harness was found to be exceed the permitted weight of 2 kilograms by 90 grams.

The Brazilian team were also disqualified for a similar offence.

Now at the midway point, disqualification drops Dickson and Waddilove from seventh to 13th overall. The top 10 will progress to Monday’s final. 

The Irish sailors enjoyed a dream debut in Tokyo when they won their opening race but fell to 11th overall after races two, three and four. 

Sunny conditions in Enoshima proved ideal for the Team Ireland sailors.

“We’re feeling pretty good,” said Waddilove, prior to disqualification. 

“We had a pretty average day yesterday, but we learned from our mistakes and we were really nicely set up today so that made our life a lot easier. At the halfway point, we’re still ready to go. One race at a time – and still keep picking off the places.

“We had quite steady conditions, maybe medium winds and not too wavy. First race was just about going fast and keeping yourself clear out of other boats, not making too many mistakes and that was really it – just keep it simple around the racecourse. Really nice conditions here – I don’t think you can get much better.”

Dickson added: “I think what we’ve been doing up to now has been working, so we’re going to keep everything the same as we always sail, keep going and tick off the places as Sean said.”

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