Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar - Over 1,200 sailors will compete

by Trofeo Princesa Sofia on 28 Mar 2015 Over 1,200 sailors from 65 countries are in Palma de Mallorca to compete in the 46th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar. This international regatta has become a regular feature for worldwide sailors who will race in the 10 Olympic events, the Formula Kite, the Dragon and the 2.4 Paralympic class, from the 28th of March until de fourth of April in the beautiful bay of Palma.

TheSofia Iberostar, organised by the Club Nàutics’Arenal (CNA), the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), the Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa (CMSAP) and the FederaciónBalear de Vela (FBV), is reaching all-time records with more than 860 boats registered to date, explained Regatta Director Ferran Muniesa.

65 country flags

The entries are high in all events, however the Laser classes are beating all expectations with 164 Laser standards and 117 radials. “We have also reached the highest number in term of countries participating with 65 different nationalities representing all continents”, concludes Muniesa.

With the inclusion of the Kiteboarding and the return of the Dragon, the Trofeo is both encompassing the future and tradition of sailing. The Dragon was present in Palma 46 years ago when the regatta started while it will be a first for the Formula Kiteboarding.

“The kites will be racing in front of the cathedral and should create a great show for our locals and visitors”, hopes the regatta director. The 25 riders (nineteen men and six women) will race together in 16 short races until the medal races scheduled on Wednesday. They will be the first to hit the water on Saturday 28th of March.

The competition will intensify with the 10 Olympic classes taking to the water on Monday, followed by the 2.4 and the Dragon on the first of April.

Seven race committees will operate at the same time in seven racing areas in the bay. “This year we have invited two class directors to help us with race management. IKA CEO Markus Schwendtner will take care of the Kites and Jeff Martin will be of great help with the Lasers split in 5 groups” explains Muniesa.

World’s best on starting line

The Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar is marking the start of the European season and will be used for many sailors to assess their progress preparing for the Rio test event. For some countries like Spain or Holland the regatta will be used for Olympic selection and is one of the most important events of the year. For others, the Trofeo Sofia Iberostar is the last chance to select for the last ten places for the SWC in Hyeres.

Current world champions: 49er (Peter Burling/Blair Tuke), 49er FX (MartineGrael/KahenaKunze), Nacra 17 (Billy Benson/ Marie Riou), Finn (Giles Scott), Laser Radial (Marit Bouwmeester), Laser Standard (Nicolas Heiner), RS:X M (JulienBontemps), RS:X W (CharlinePicon), and many Olympic medalists will spice up the contest!

Regatta partners

Regatta Director Ferran Muniesa is glad to welcome new main sponsor Iberostar for the next three years, bringing great knowledge and support in touristic infrastructure.

Helly Hansen, Trasmediterranea, Infinity and OceanDrivers, along with local and national institutions will contribute to the realization of the regatta.

Clubs and classes:

• Club Nàutic S’Arenal: 470 M, 470 W, 49er, 49er FX, Finn
• Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa: Laser, Laser Radial, RS:X M, RS:X W Nacra 17
• Real Club Náutico de Palma: 2.4mR and Dragón
• Playa del Portixol: Kite Surf