Princess Sofia Trophy – Nacra 17 to rediscover the series' top players

by Groupama sailing team on 31 Mar 2015 Princess Sofia Trophy, the second international event of the season after the Sailing World Cup in Miami in January, is being contested from today in Palma de Mallorca in the Balearics. Aboard the Nacra 17 Groupama, Franck Cammas and Sophie de Turckheim will rediscover the series' top players with the aim of moving up the world ranking, particularly in breezy conditions.

1,246 racers, 816 crews and 64 nationalities: such is the scenario for the Princess Sofia Trophy. Suffice to say that with less than a year until the selection for the Olympic Games, it's going to be a battle royal between the competitors.

In the only mixed series, that of the Nacra 17, the top players are out in force. Among these is the French duo Besson and Riou, reigning world champions: 'In contrast with the Miami World Cup, everyone is here, notably the Argentinean Santiago Lange and the three Australian crews, including the formidable Darren Bundock,' explains Franck Cammas.

Together with the other French crews, they've already spent two weeks training on the Iberian race zone with their national coach, Franck Citeau: 'We're familiar with Palma having already raced here last year. It's a race zone, which offers a multitude of sailing conditions and that's just what we're after. This is particularly the case in the breeze and chop as that's what we find most difficult. It was our biggest weakness last year,' continues the skipper of Groupama.

Determined to give their all to stand a chance of representing France at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016, Franck and Sophie have put their winter break to good use to put on a few kilos: 'We've gained about ten kilos and that's making a big difference. We're no longer lacking pace in a medium wind and in breezy conditions. We've also increased our explosiveness and speed in certain manoeuvres,' Franck adds.

Up against the French world champions, the crew of Groupama has no other option than to make progress: 'Nothing beats racing for improving your game as everyone is sailing to the best of their ability, which is rarely the case during training. At the finish, you get a clear image of where you're at in terms of positioning. Besson and Riou are no longer very far ahead and they're even behind sometimes. It's a good sign'.

Competitors through and through, Franck and Sophie inevitably have a voracious appetite for the Princess Sofia Trophy but remain stress-free: 'We've already qualified for the Sailing World Cup in Hyères. As such, there aren't really any particular challenges involved other than trying to make progress. Sophie has recovered from the flu and is in great shape,' concludes the skipper of Groupama, who is expecting a breezy start to the week of racing, culminating in lighter winds.

The other four French crews:
• Billy Besson and Marie Riou
• Moana Vaireaux and Manon Audinet
• Flora Laugier and Valentin Bellet
• Charles Hainneville and Alizée Desbordes

Number of entries: 56 representing 28 nations

Two fleets: Yellow round and blue round the first three days, then the gold round (with the top 28) and the silver round (bottom 28).
Medal Race (reserved for the top 10): Saturday 4 April