Years of preparation, racing in championships around the world, winning Pan American medals, European Championships, and dedicating countless hours to sailing, gym work and training, led them to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Only the top 20 in the world in the 49er class earned a spot, and they earned it on their own merit. Yacht Club Punta del Este and all of Uruguay followed them daily during the 12 races leading up to the Medal Race, where they were key players in many of them. Their sails bearing the Uruguayan flag moved us in the waters of Marseille, as they raced impressively and were broadcast to the world live on television.

The inconsistent winds in Marseille posed challenges for all competitors, leading to some good races and others with complications due to stagnant wind in various areas of the course. Hernán and Fernando sailed exceptionally well, consistently staying in the top 10 overall, and even in the top three on the first day. Many races involved frequent position changes, making consistency challenging, but Hernán and Fernando never gave up on a race. In the first 12 races, our sailors were among the top 10 in seven of them, with two second place finishes as their best results, showing they sailed very well and fast.

They reached the Medal Race, where the top 10 of the fleet compete, in 9th place, just one spot away from earning an Olympic diploma. After two races were canceled due to wind changes and lack of wind, during one of which they were in 1st place, they finally got to race the Medal Race. With more stable wind, the Medal Race was shorter than previous races, with little chance to change positions after the start, as all 10 competitors had similar speeds. Hernán and Fernando rounded all the marks between 7th and 8th place, finishing 8th in the Medal Race and 10th in the overall standings of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Gold went to Spain, Silver to New Zealand and Bronze to the United States.

Uruguay and Yacht Club Punta del Este are proud of what Hernán and Fernando have achieved, reaching an Olympic Games and being among the top 10 crews in the world. Their preparation, all the years of effort, and the titles they have won in recent months confirm how young athletes can compete at the highest level and even outperform others in many races.

Yacht Club Punta del Este thanks them for bringing the Olympic spirit to Paris 2024 in our 100th anniversary year, and will continue to support them in their future competitions.

Thank you, Hernán and Fernando, for carrying our country’s flag and the burgee of Yacht Club Punta del Este with such dignity.