With a forecast of strong and shifty northerly winds, Olympic sailors from 62 countries are gearing up for a challenging week of competition in Palma.
In this 55th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels, all 10 Olympic classes are competing, showcasing a massive logistical operation for nearly 900 boards, boats, and skiffs across six days on the Bay of Palma.
According to James Grummett, a noted 49er sailor from Britain, competitors should not expect the usual sea breezes this week. He warned, “It’s not going to be a classic week in Palma”. The predictions of cold and windy conditions for the first few days indicate that the racing will likely be conducted under these challenging conditions.
Participants highlighted the importance of adapting to the expected offshore breezes, with Grummett stating that these conditions could lead to unpredictable racing outcomes. Changes to race formats this year will add to the suspense, as performances will weigh heavily on the final day of competition, rather than on a cumulative series.
Competitors like Bettine Harris and Martin Wrigley, who recently won the 470 European Championship, previously enjoyed a successful outing at last year’s Trofeo. This week, however, they will face heightened pressure with no chance to secure victory before the medal race.
Australian windsurfer Grae Morris, the men’s iQFOiL winner from last year, expressed his anticipation in attempting to defend his title amidst the high-pressure environment that Palma represents.
The event will officially kick off racing for boat classes such as the 470 and 49er skiffs on Monday, followed by board fleets starting competitions on Tuesday. Medals will be awarded next Saturday across all 10 events. Here’s a look at notable fleets and athletes to watch:
Nacra 17: John Gimson and Anna Burnet, also reigning World Champions, are favoured to replicate their success, despite competition from notable Argentine and New Zealand crews.
470 Mixed: The Spanish team of Jordi Xammar and Marta Cardona, recent European champions, face stiff competition from last year’s winners Harris and Wrigley.
49erFX Women’s Skiff: The British pair of Freya Black and Saskia Tidey will face local competition from Paula Barcelo, who recently transitioned to the 49erFX and won the world title.
49er Men’s Skiff: Erwan Fischer and Clement Pequin, who won last year, are favoured due to their recent World Championship success.
iQFOiL Women: Emma Wilson, who also won last year, is expected to contend with challengers from Israel and Italy.
iQFOiL Men: Morris will defend his title against past rivals, including Italy’s Nicolo Renna.
ILCA 6 Women and ILCA 7 Men: Australian competitors like Zoe Thomson and Matt Wearn are among the leading athletes in their respective categories, with strong contenders from Europe.
Formula Kite Women and Men: Nikyos and Wu are expected to be among the frontrunners in a highly competitive fleet.
© Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía
The 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels is organised by Bahía Activa — the foundation formed by the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the Club Nàutic Arenal, the Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa and the Balearic Sailing Federation — and is supported by World Sailing.
The event is co-financed by the Balearic Islands Government’s Sustainable Tourism Tax fund and sponsored by the Mallorca Responsible Tourism Foundation. It also forms part of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam, alongside the Semaine Olympique Française, Dutch Water Week, Kieler Woche and the Long Beach & San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta.
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