World cup in Mallorca opens the next Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028

The 54th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca has begun. This prestigious sailing event not only inaugurates the current sailing season but also marks the first stage of the new Olympic cycle on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

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29 march 2025 | 11:17 | Source: Polski Związek Żeglarski / Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Sailing Energy

This year’s regatta in Mallorca also marks the debut of the Sailing Grand Slam (SGS) – a new series that unites five key events throughout the sailing season. Developed in cooperation with World Sailing, the SGS creates a global platform for the world’s best sailors on their path to the Olympics. The cycle includes: Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères (France), Dutch Water Week in Almere (Netherlands), Kieler Woche in Kiel (Germany), and the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta in Long Beach (USA).

A new Olympic cycle – new challenges

The regatta will start on March 31 and will last until April 5. The event will feature athletes from around the globe competing in ten Olympic sailing classes. Among them will be representatives from Poland in nine classes, confirming the strong position of the Polish Sailing Association on the international stage.

The entry list includes more than 700 sailors from 53 countries. In the 470 class, particular attention is drawn to the debut of the duo Agnieszka Skrzypulec-Szoty and Szymon Wierzbicki. After a few years of hiatus due to motherhood, Agnieszka returns to the racing scene, joining forces with the experienced Szymon, who has a successful record in the 49er class. Additionally, young Polish crews will also be competing, showcasing the growing potential of the Polish youth sailing scene.

In the 49er FX class, Poland will be represented by two crews: Aleksandra Melzacka and Sandra Jankowiak, as well as Gabriela Czapska and Hanna Rajchert. Under the guidance of coach Krzysztof Kierkowski, these athletes have achieved top positions in training regattas, giving hope for a successful performance in Palma de Mallorca.

Polish highlights in Mallorca

There will also be Polish representatives in the IQFOiL and Formula Kite classes. Michał Polak, Dominik Lewiński, and Paweł Tarnowski, the latter of whom triumphed in Mallorca last year, will compete for top honors among men. Meanwhile, among women, Anastasiya Valkevich and Zofia Nocetti-Klepacka will face their first challenge on new equipment.

In the ILCA 7 class, Poland will be represented by nine sailors, including Filip Olszewski and Maciej Dudek, while in the ILCA 6 class, Agata Barwińska, Wiktoria Gołębiowska, and Lilly May Niezabitowska will take to the start line.

Competition among world leaders

It is worth noting the absence of several top competitors from the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 49er class. Notably missing are Spaniards Diego Botín and Florian Trittel, as well as New Zealanders Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie. Nevertheless, the competition remains at the highest level, with nearly 100 crews on the starting line.

Follow the regatta at the event website: Trofeo Princesa Sofia

The World Cup in Mallorca is not only a chance for competition but also an opportunity to assess form before the next stages of the Olympic cycle and to gain valuable experience on the international scene. Fingers crossed for the Polish sailors!

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