James Espey becomes first Irish sailor to qualify for 2016 Olympics

Bangor's James Espey has become the first Irish sailor to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil after qualifying for the Gold fleet in the Laser Standard class at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain.

The 30-year-old, who also took part in the 2012 Games in London, is one of 22 nations to qualify for the Gold fleet, but with 23 nation places available , he has booked his place for Rio on just the second day of the six-day regatta.

Over 50 per cent of qualification spots will be awarded for performances in Santander, with five Irish boats and seven sailors looking to join Espey in Brazil.