Tokyo 2020: Here we go again

The Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía regatta in Palma de Majorca, Spain, considered the opening event of the European Olympic season, was among the first events in 2020 to cancel due to COVID-19. A year later, not much has changed.

Due to the current status of the global pandemic, the Organizing Committee has made the decision to postpone the 2021 event following the recommendations from the Balearic Islands Government. Originally planned for March 26 to April 3, the new dates are October 2-9.

“The priority is the safety of the approximately 1000 sailors from around 50 nations that participate each year in this regatta, which must take place in the best possible conditions both ashore and at sea,” states Ferran Muniesa, the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Race Manager.

What would have been deemed a tune-up for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics leaves competitors scrambling now in how to continue their preparation, with sailors in the Men’s and Women’s Two Person Dinghy event hoping their 2021 470 World Championship is not the next to fall.

Planned for Palma a year ago, and deemed a vital Tokyo qualifier for many, the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19 has left these athletes in a 12-month limbo. The new target has been the 2021 470 Worlds on March 5-13 in Vilamoura, Portugal, but that country is now teetering too.

The latest memo to competitors and coaches reports how an increase in number of positive cases of COVID-19 has generated the need by the Portuguese Government to increase restrictions starting January 31. However, for now there is an exception for high performance outdoor sports, so the championship remains on schedule… for now.

Tokyo Olympic Sailing Program
Men’s One Person Dinghy – Laser
Women’s One Person Dinghy – Laser Radial
Men’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Women’s Two Person Dinghy – 470
Men’s Skiff – 49er
Women’s Skiff – 49erFx
Men’s One Person Dinghy Heavy – Finn
Men’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Women’s Windsurfing – RS:X
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Original dates: July 24 to August 9, 2020
Revised dates: July 23 to August 8, 2021