Day 3 on the Bay of Palma brought significant challenges for the 1100 athletes competing at the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels Olympic regatta. The competition was marked by chaotic conditions, leaving competitors to grapple with a series of unpredictable wind shifts.
British ILCA 7 racer Micky Beckett, who has previously won this event four times, described the day as surreal. “April Fools Day? The whole day felt a bit like a bad joke but it wasn’t unfortunately,” he said. Beckett noted the extreme shifts in wind conditions, which made racing exceptionally taxing and resulted in hydration issues due to prolonged sun exposure. Currently sitting second overall, Beckett is trailing double Olympic Champion Matt Wearn from Australia by 10 points, indicating a competitive lead as the regatta progresses.
In the ILCA 6 class, Eve McMahon (IRL) maintained her lead despite a challenging race day. She expressed her relief after securing a sixth place, stating that variations in wind made for complicated racing. Emma Plasschaert (BEL) won the race and holds second overall, while Mara Stransky (AUS) holds third and is optimistic about her position in this regatta’s final stages.
Jordi Xammar and Marta Cardona (ESP) excelled in the 470 Mixed standings, capitalising on strong winds to secure their place at the top. Xammar expressed enthusiasm about racing in tougher conditions, reflecting his and Cardona’s comfort in challenging weather.
In the women’s Formula Kite, reigning World Champion Jessie Kampman dominated the event, winning six out of eight heats. Close on her tail is Olympic silver medallist Lauriane Nolot (FRA), who currently holds second overall.
Among the men, reigning World Champion Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) leads narrowly over Max Maeder (SGP). Despite plateaus in conditions for the men’s iQFOiL class and no races for the Nacra 17 catamarans, competition is set to intensify as Thursday approaches, where most fleets advance further.
The Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels is organised by Bahía Activa and supported by the Balearic sailing community and World Sailing. It forms part of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam along with other major international regattas.
Text Credits: Trofeo Princesa Sofía
Photo Credits: Sailing Energy/Trofeo Princesa Sofía
Video Credits: ICARUS Sports / Trofeo Princesa Sofía
To keep up to date with the 55 Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía, please visit the official website or follow on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
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