Allianz Sailing World Championships 2023: Ones to Watch in ILCA 7

Such is the strength in depth in the ILCA 7 men’s singlehander, it is difficult to highlight a few and ignore so many others.
However, top of the list is Matt Wearn (AUS), the reigning Olympic champion who continues to prove Australia’s prowess under the coaching leadership of Michael Blackburn who has produced so many winning Australians over the past decade or more.

After suffering from long-term COVID and struggling to regain his usually high levels of fitness, a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Test Event in Marseille suggests Wearn is getting back to his best. Wearn narrowly beat Micky Beckett (GBR) in Marseille, further evidence that the Briton is becoming truly world class. Olympic silver medallist at the past two Games, even at the age of 37, Tonci Stipanovic (CRO) remains as capable as ever at turning on a barnstorming performance on the biggest occasions.

His training partner Pavlos Kontides (CYP) is also an Olympic silver medallist from London 2012 as well as a double world champion and continues to perform at the top of the fleet. Among many others to watch are the 2022 world champion Jean-Baptiste Bernaz (FRA) and Ireland’s Finn Lynch (IRL).