ISAF Sailing World Cup Palma - 49er class prepares for battle

by 49er Class Association on 1 Apr 2013 The 2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup Palma – Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mapfre is about to begin. Conditions were perfect today for the practice race, but the forecast does not look so idyllic for the start of racing tomorrow. A system is expected to roll though with gusts to 30 knots and large waves, along with a healthy dose of rain.

Ahead of the regatta we caught up with 2012 European Champions Matthieu Frei and Yann Rocheriex of France. They sailed in the practice race today and hold us about their winter training.

If you're in a non-youtue area, the two described what sounds like a wonderful winter in New Caledonia. Matthieu, the helmsman is from the French colony. They shipped a 49er down and spend a number of weeks training. Interesting to see his eyes light up about the fishing conditions of the South Pacific, with that kind of passion he may well be in for a second maritime career.

Racing starts at 11:00 CET tomorrow with two flights of 40 boats each in the 49er class and a single fleet of 49erFX at 13:00. Race organizers are busy making preparations for such a large contingent of 49er teams who are here to compete. We'll have to wait and see if the weather allows us to sail tomorrow of if it forces the fleets to wait one more day.