From Europeans to Palma: 470 fleet ready for the next challenge - 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia
by International 470 Class Association 23 Mar 20:06 GMT
27 March - 4 April 2026
Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca © Sailing Energy / Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca
The first Sailing Grand Slam event of the 2026 season is just a few days away. After a long and demanding European Championship, the 470 fleet now moves to Palma de Mallorca for the 55th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia.
Racing will take place from 27 March to 4 April on the Bay of Palma. The first races are scheduled for Monday, 30 March, with the medal series set for Saturday, 4 April, after five days of competition. All 67 teams from 24 nations will be based at Club Nàutic S'Arenal.
Defending the titles
After winning the European Championship, Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris arrive in Palma as clear favourites and will try to defend their 2025 title. Last year, the British duo won the Trofeo Princesa Sofia with a big lead over the rest of the fleet.
All teams from last year's top 10 are set to race again, including Jordi Xammar and his crew Marta Cardona, who is representing Club Nàutic S'Arenal. They finished sixth in 2025 and will be aiming higher this time.
"We arrive with the responsibility of being last year's world and European champions, but rather than pressure, it's extra motivation. Last year was a very short season, and now we will arrive in Palma after a very long pre-season and having already competed in the European Championships, which was our first goal. Palma is a regatta course that we know well and love; our expectation is always to be at the top, but above all, to continue fine-tuning details for our big goal this year, which is the World Championship," - said Jordi Xammar to Trofeo Princesa Sofia Media Team.
Impressive line-up
One week before the start, 67 crews are entered. The fleet brings together a mix of younger teams, experienced sailors, and Olympic medalists.
A large part of the European Championship fleet will also line up in Palma, including teams from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Further international representation includes teams from China, Pakistan, and India. In total, 24 nations and 137 sailors will compete in the 470 class on the Bay of Palma.
Among those returning to action are German leaders Simon Diesch and Anna Markfort, who skipped the Europeans. The duo led the World Sailing rankings ahead of the Vilamoura regatta, but their absence resulted in a drop to second place. Germany will have the biggest presence in Palma, with 11 crews.
What stands out is also the return of Afrodite Zegers-De Kleine. After taking a break following the Tokyo Olympics, she is back in the fleet with a young Greek partner, Thanassis Lachanis.
There will also be a strong group of junior teams, especially from Slovenia, Poland, Italy, Great Britain, France, Croatia, and Australia. For many of them, Palma will be an important step and a good test against more experienced crews.
The 470 Class
The 470 remains one of the most successful Olympic sailing classes. It first appeared at the Games in 1976 (men) and 1988 (women). Since Paris 2024, it has been sailed as a mixed event under the name Mixed Dinghy.
"The change has been noticeable. The level has risen considerably because the best men and women from both fleets are competing, which means that the class now requires a lot of physical and mental effort. In addition, working together and understanding each other is another step up, because men and women are different, but it's about learning from each other and joining forces. It's a very enriching experience." said Silvia Mas.