⛵ Help Us Reach the 2028 Olympic Games

Hi, we’re Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour, an Irish 49er FX sailing team on a mission to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Our journey started in Northern Ireland, where we first met sailing in the junior Topper class. What began as a friendship has grown into a full-time Olympic campaign since we teamed up in March 2024. Today, we’re based in Dublin, training with the Senior Irish Sailing Team and competing at the highest level internationally.

In 2025, we achieved a major milestone by winning bronze at the World U23 49er FX Championships. It was a huge step forward and a sign of what’s possible. Now, under the guidance of Irish Olympian Matt McGovern, we’re training and racing full-time around the world as we push toward Olympic qualification.

Why We Need Your Support

Campaigning for the Olympics demands total commitment, not just physically and mentally, but financially. Travel, equipment, coaching, and competition costs quickly add up.

Our Journey to LA 2028 – Mile by Mile

The distance from Ireland to Los Angeles and back is 10,360 miles.

That’s the journey between where we are now and the Olympic start line in 2028, and we’re inviting you to help us get there, one mile at a time.

We’ve set a clear goal for this campaign:

10,360 miles = £10,360

£1 = 1 mile of our journey

Every single mile supports our progress and helps us fund:

• International training and racing events

• Essential equipment and boat maintenance

• Coaching and performance support

• Travel and accommodation costs

Be Part of the Distance

No matter how far you choose to take us, you are part of this journey:

£10 = 10 miles

£20 = 20 miles

£50 = 50 miles

£100 = 10 miles

Every contribution moves us closer, not just to Los Angeles, but to representing Ireland on the Olympic stage.

Help Us Reach 10,360

Miles

We’ll be tracking our progress throughout the campaign, sharing updates so you can see exactly how far your support is taking us.

This is Phase 1 of our Olympic campaign. With your support, we can complete this first stage of the journey and continue building towards 2028.

Help us reach 10,360 miles. Help us get to LA.

We’re incredibly grateful for any support you can give, whether that’s donating or sharing our story.

Thank you

Erin & Ellen