Trofeo Princesa Sofía – Chiellino is back for the third year

by Trofeo Princesa Sofía on 3 Apr 2015 Trofeo Princesa Sofía – 15 years have passed since the first attendance of French team manager, Guillaume Chiellino in Palma. From sailing Laser and 49er to coaching at the Trofeo Sofia, Chiellino is back for the third year as Head of the French Olympic Sailing team. French sailors are always performing well at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia, a regular feature in their racing program.

“We are back in Palma with boats in every class, 90% of the French team is here. The objective, like many other countries, is to assess the progress and changes made over winter and be ready for the home SWC in Hyeres.” With restricted entries to the ISAF Sailing World Cup, many teams are using the Trofeo Iberostar to try and qualify for the French event. “We are lucky that all the French team is already selected for Hyeres through rankings. The young sailors are here to try to grab one of the last 10 spots available in each class. This is also important for them to compete in such big event and try to qualify for Hyeres.”

Each country has a different way to manage their team and set their Olympic selection process. “Our Olympic selection system is different from other teams. We have a selection committee of three people observing sailors performances over a period of time and will decide before Hyeres next year of the Olympic team. Each class is working independently; setting their own racing schedule, training program…the only common objective for all series is to peak at the worlds.” explains Guillaume Chiellino.

About the quality of competition in Palma the French team manager has no hesitation “It is good to see that whether or not this event is Sailing World Cup, it attracts just as many teams as before. The sites and the organization are great. All the countries are here; this regatta is the sailor’s choice!”