More disruption in road to Tokyo 2020

(March 12, 2020) – The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to impact the sporting calendar, and while the threat to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is not yet imminent, events that lead to it are being affected.

Following recommendations from the Spanish and Balearic Governments, the 2020 Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar on March 30 to April 4 has been cancelled for all Classes (Olympic Classes, One–Design, Open Foil, ORC).

“We deeply regret this situation but we must follow the restrictions requested by the Authorities to face this world health issue,” said the event statement.

Held on the Spanish island of Mallorca, this event in the Mediterranean Sea is the traditional start of the European season for Olympic classes. The 2020 had added value for those to compete at the Tokyo Olympics as the usual wind (SW) and waves in the Bay of Palma are deemed similar to the conditions expected at the Games.

The cancellation of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar also triggered the postponement of the 2020 470 Class World Championship that were to be held March 16-21 in Palma, Mallorca. This decision was based on the instructions of the Spanish and Balearic Government, as well as the recommendations from World Sailing, the 470 Class, together with host Club Nautic Arenal.

“We are really sorry for this, but it is a world health issue and we have to introduce the restrictions as requested by the Spanish Authorities,” said the class organization. “The 470 Class, together with the MNAs and the Organizing Club, will investigate the possibility of holding the Worlds in the coming months, after the 15th of April, with more information to come as soon as possible. The World Championship is NOT cancelled at the moment.”

The weight of these cancellations is now on those nations, which include Canada and USA, using these events to decide their representatives for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Event details – Entry list – Facebook