RIO 2016: The road returns to Europe

Palma, Spain (April 1, 2013) – Racing started in the 44th Trofeo Sofia Mapfre, ISAF Sailing World Cup, with increasing wind and waves, providing for challenging races. The 49er FX, Nacra and 2.4 missed on racing, as did some of the 49er in the blue group. In most classes the favourites have taken an early lead in the testing conditions.

With increasing wind and waves, the 49ers have had a tough day in Palma. After two races in the yellow group, racing was cancelled for the day. The British team of David Evans and Edward Powys have mastered the heavy weather with a victory and a third place. However the Danish teams have had their word to say.

Last year winner, Jonas Warrer (DEN) and new crew Peter Lang (DEN), and Allan Norregaard with Anders Thomsen (DEN) placed in the top ten in the first race, and took the first two places in the second.With an Olympic medal in 2008 and 2012, Denmark has put its trademark on skiff sailing.

“The 49er project has started as soon as the skiff was selected for the Sydney Olympic Games! We have build up a basis with lots of teams and they have been working hard, sharing and progressing together.” explains 49er coach Peter Hansen. “We keep adding new and younger teams and they learn from the others. It is a good way to keep growing our potential.”

Racing was cancelled today for the 49erFX, Nacra and the 2.4. The forecast for Tuesday day is for a 15 knots North Westerly breeze and will hopefully allow all classes to race. – Full report and results.

MORE: USA report – Photos

FORMAT: The Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia Mapfre is testing the racing format to be used at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The format follows the successes and failures from the format tests conducted in January at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami. Here are the highlights of what is being used.

BACKGROUND: The ISAF Sailing World Cup Palma (Apr 1-6) is the third of four events for the 2012-13 ISAF Sailing World Cup season. The season began in Melbourne, Australia (Dec 2-8) and was in Miami (Jan 28-Feb 2), with the final event in Hyeres, France (Apr 20-27). The ISAF Sailing World Cup is open to the sailing classes (equipment) chosen for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Competitions.