Most improved 49er team of 2025 – Conrad Konitzer & Antonio Torrado
by Alexia Lahoud 6 Dec 2025 02:58 PST
2025 49er, Fx, Nacra 17 Worlds, Cagliarir © Sailing Energy
As the 2025 season draws to a close, the class reflects on a year defined by progress, grit, and unforgettable moments. Several teams impressed not only with podium finishes but with growth, determination, and the spirit they brought to the fleet.
Media coverage surged as well — more than tripling from previous years — highlighting how the class is becoming more visible, accessible, and inspiring for young sailors. Among the stories that shaped the season, the first spotlight goes to this year's Most Improved Team: Conrad Konitzer and Antonio Torrado.
Since teaming up in 2023, Conrad and Antonio have progressed from a promising new duo to genuine contenders. Early regattas were a learning curve marked by inconsistent results and the challenges of building communication and strategy. Yet with relentless training, careful tuning, and strong collaboration with coach Ero Pons, they steadily found their rhythm.
Eros noted "My philosophy has always been to combine high expectations with support. It's not about pushing for the sake of pushing, but making sure each session has meaning, learning from mistakes and improving consistently. I like to focus on the details and adapt to each sailor, so that every training helps them grow, both individually and as a team.
What I value most is how they have grown together as a team, not just in sailing, but as athletes, with discipline, consistency and a drive to improve. They know there is still a long way to go, but they have always shown humility, motivation and a passion for learning. It's a pleasure to see how they seize every opportunity to get a little closer each day to the great 49er role models we all admire."
Their partnership deepened across multiple projects as well, including their joint campaign in the Youth America's Cup with Sail Team BCN, where Conrad helmed and Antonio crewed. By 2024, the momentum was clear with their first Gold Fleet appearance in Sofia.
The 2025 season became their true breakout. Highlights included 4th at the Lanzarote International Regatta, 10th in Palma, 23rd in Hyères, 3rd in Poland, and 16th at the European Championship. But the defining moment came at the World Championship in Cagliari. Entering with a three-digit sail number — the standard for teams that have not yet reached a Worlds Gold Fleet — the duo rose into the top group, qualified for the Medal Series, and finished 5th overall. In the 49er class, reaching the Worlds Gold Fleet earns a two-digit sail number, and finishing in the top ten grants a single digit corresponding to the team's result. Their 5th place now gives them the privilege of carrying the number 5 on their sail. Antonio noted, "It's a good result, and we value it a lot. We've had a strong year, and now we're focused on continuing to work hard and seeing how far we can go if we keep this momentum."
Their individual histories reinforce the strength of their partnership. Conrad, from Palma de Mallorca, excelled in Optimist, became 420 European champion in 2019, and finished third at the 420 World Championship before shifting to the 49er. Antonio, from Torrevieja, brings a wide multiclass background — from Optimist and Laser to MothEuropa, 29er, Tecno293, Waszp, Moth, and A-Cat — along with titles including U23 European champion and multiple national championships.
What truly distinguishes their 2025 season is not only the results but the evolution behind them. Through improved communication, disciplined routines, and mutual trust, they have shaped themselves into a team capable of challenging the world's best. This growth was reinforced by training alongside some strong teams in the fleet: USA 43 (Andrew Mollerus & Trevor Bornarth), ESP 74 (Olympic gold medalist Diego Botin & Florian Trittel), and the 2025 European Champions, the Wizner brothers (ESP 775). They also benefited at key moments from the support of Marcos Fernández — the Spanish FX coach — who assisted them at several regattas throughout the season.
Looking ahead, they remain grounded yet ambitious, focused on refining technique, gaining experience, and ultimately pursuing a World Championship title and Olympic representation for Spain. Their 2025 journey — a story of perseverance, smart sailing, and hard work — makes them a standout and deserving choice for Most Improved Team.