More than 470 women will compete at the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca from 27 March to 4 April in the Bay of Palma. The Olympic classes regatta will attract over 1,150 sailors from 59 nations, with women representing about 40% of all competitors and forming part of 46% of the fleet.
The event mirrors the Olympic sailing format introduced for the 2024 Summer Olympics, which achieved gender parity across ten disciplines.
Women will compete in the 49erFX, ILCA 6, iQFOiL Women and Formula Kite Women classes, alongside mixed fleets in the 470 Mixed and Nacra 17.
The 49erFX fleet powers towards the mark in fresh breeze on Palma Bay during the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca Olympic classes regatta. Photo: Sailing Energy/Princesa Sofía Mallorca
Among the competitors is Mallorca’s Marta Cardona, named Youth World Sailor of the Year by World Sailing. Cardona, 20, grew up sailing on the Bay of Palma and learned the sport at Club Nàutic S’Arenal.
Balearic Sailing Federation president Cati Darder described her as “not only a great sailor with an incredible career since she was a child, but above all an exceptional, generous and determined person.”
Cardona first gained international recognition in the 420 class, winning European and world titles with María Perelló before switching to the Olympic 470 Mixed class. She partnered with Spanish Olympic medallist Jordi Xammar in 2025, and the pair quickly secured both European and world titles.
Spain’s Marta Cardona and Jordi Xammar hike hard in the 470 Mixed fleet during racing on the Bay of Palma at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca. Photo: Sailing Energy/Princesa Sofía Mallorca
“I had never sailed with a boy before, but the experience is really great,” Cardona said. “We both contribute a lot. There is a lot of trust, and the teamwork is very good.” Despite her rapid rise, Cardona credits persistence rather than talent alone.
“I come from a family with no sailing tradition,” she said. “I have just been a girl with a lot of enthusiasm and motivation who has worked very hard and fought for her goals.” She also believes sailing offers strong opportunities for women. “Sailing is a very inclusive sport, and being a woman has not influenced me in any way,” Cardona added.
The 2026 Trofeo Sofia will also serve as the opening scoring event of the Sailing Grand Slam season.
Cardona and Xammar will arrive in Mallorca after defending their European 470 Mixed title in Vilamoura, Portugal, continuing preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
For Cardona, racing on home waters adds special significance. “Having this regatta at home and seeing the big stars of sailing inspires future generations,” she said. “It’s a real source of pride.”
