Sailing in Mallorca: MR NOVA BHHS, champion of the Princess Sofia Trophy

Sailing is a deeply rooted sport in Mallorca. The Bay of Palma is considered one of the best regatta courses in the world, thanks to its favorable winds, its scenic value, the island's infrastructures and the quality of life that Mallorca offers. So much so that the INEOS Britannia Team UK makes this place its training camp to prepare for the America's Cup.

Undoubtedly, the Trofeo Princesa Sofia is one of the most important events in the regatta calendar. It is an annual dinghy sailing competition currently organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the Club Náutico El Arenal and the Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa. Since its first edition in 1968, the organization has managed to maintain the prestige that makes this competition one of the most anticipated moments of spring on the island. It was originally created by the Real Club Náutico de Palma as an exclusive competition for the Dragon class, and in 1974, at the express wish of Princess Sofia, the Snipe, Soling, Finn, Europa, 470 and 420 classes were added to the Dragon class.

The 52nd edition of the Princess Sofia Trophy began at the end of March, bringing together 60 teams of more than ten nationalities at the Real Club Náutico de Palma; English, Germans, Swedes, Americans and Spaniards united under the same passion: sailing.

Currently competing are monotypes, as well as ORC cruisers. The monotypes J/80 J/70, 6 meters and Dragon compete in real time and perform a total of nine races. The strong northwesterly winds on the last day meant that only four races were sailed in the 6 Meters and Dragon classes, leaving as winners Violeta Álvarez's Stella in the 6 Meters category, Jorge Forteza's MR. Nova of Jorge Forteza in Dragon class, El Sal skippered by Helena Alegre in J80 and Pakatin of Luis Albert in J70.

The ORC cruisers sailed a more coastal course from Illetas to Can Pastilla, finishing the race in front of the cathedral of Palma. These were also affected by the strong winds of the last day, causing several retirements in the last race and leaving El Abracadabra, with Mark Sadler, in first place in the ORC 4-5 division, followed by El Mestral Fast of Jaime Morell, second, and Tres Mares of María Campins, third.

After a weekend of total enjoyment for all the sailors, the 52 Trofeo Princesa Sofia went into Olympic mode on Monday, April 3, with more than 600 teams from 67 countries.