Ryan Seaton & Matt McGovern qualify Ireland in 49er for 2016 Olympics

Ryan Seaton & Matt McGovern from Ireland at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Spain © James Kell

Tomorrow's performance crucial for Andrea Brewster & Saskia Tidey's Olympic goal

Ryan Seaton & Matt McGovern have today (19 September) earned Ireland its third place at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. The Providence Team IRL sailors have been competing at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain since Monday (15 September) where 50% of the places are being allocated. Although the pair still have one further race tomorrow in the 80 boat 49er class, they have already created enough of a points gap to secure a coveted top 10 nation place.

Upon hearing the news Ryan Seaton commented "Getting the qualification for Rio is a big boost for us. It's one box ticked but we still have a job to finish. We're here to get a medal so we've still got to keep pushing hard".

Seaton and McGovern are well-versed in the pressures of Olympic qualification having previously competed at the London Games. Only 10 places were up for grabs in Spain by the top nations from a competing pool of 33. But the Northern Irish pair knew that to qualify at this stage – almost two years before the Games – would significantly ease that pressure.

Matt McGovern enthused "Now we can focus on events in Rio rather than having to compete in Europe at the other qualifiers. From a preparation point of view it makes things a lot smoother".

Buoyed up by their Providence Team IRL teammates James Espey and Annalise Murphy's earlier regatta performances, Seaton and McGovern made waves when they began competing in Santander earlier this week. They finished 2nd in their opening race and quickly stationed themselves at the top of the leader board. After the initial two days of the qualifying series, the pair qualified with ease for the Gold fleet. From there they have remained in 6th place overall and 6th nation.

After two races today it was confirmed that they had enough of a points lead to have earned Ireland yet another Olympic place - with one day to spare. They will have one final Gold fleet race tomorrow before the top 10 boats progress to Sunday's medal races where they'll battle it out for the 49er world title.

The ISA's Performance Director James O'Callaghan commented "Another good day for Providence Team IRL. The boys showed their experience and got first part of job done".

In the female 49erFX Gold fleet, Andrea Brewster & Saskia Tidey had a physically and mentally gruelling four races today. The pair capsized in the first race and were unable to finish the race. Things did not improve too much with a 25, 19 and 20. However, they will have one final shot at Olympic qualification tomorrow where they must be among the top 10 nations. They are currently 23rd nation.

All results provisional