The 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels has been officially launched, with organisers and public officials backing the major Olympic sailing event. Mallorca is set to become the global focal point for Olympic classes, with around 900 boats and more than 1,100 sailors from 62 nations (including Ireland, where ILCA warm-up results are encouraging) competing on the Bay of Palma until 4 April.
The regatta marks the opening round of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam, one of the sport’s leading international circuits.
The launch event gathered senior figures from sailing and government, including Federación Balear de Vela president Cati Darder and Mallorca tourism minister Guillem Ginard. Representatives from leading yacht clubs across the island also attended.
Podium Pitch: Guillem Ginard addresses the launch of the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia in Mallorca, highlighting the regatta’s role in promoting elite sailing and tourism. Photo: Sailing Energy/Trofeo Princesa Sofía
Racing for Olympic classes runs from 30 March to 4 April, featuring all ten disciplines selected for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Ahead of the main programme, events for ORC cruisers, One Design fleets and Hansa 303 boats will take place from 27 to 29 March.
Cati Darder said these additional classes “bring diversity, encourage participation and reinforce Sofía’s commitment to a more inclusive and accessible sailing”. This year marks the first edition organised by Bahía Activa, a foundation formed by four major Mallorcan sailing clubs and the regional federation.
Darder said the initiative represents “a model of collaboration based on trust, shared responsibility and the willingness to work together”.
FERGUS Group president Pep Cañellas highlighted the event’s wider impact, stating it “helps to project an image of Mallorca as dynamic, active and global”. Guillem Ginard said the regatta “projects to the world the image of a region committed to excellence, sport and the sea”.
Jaume Bauzà, representing the Balearic Islands government, added that the event reflects “organisational excellence and the passion the Balearic Islands feel for the sea”.
Racing begins on Monday, 30 March, with six Olympic fleets, followed by kiteboarding and windsurfing classes joining on Tuesday. The entry list includes 27 of the 30 Olympic medallists, as well as reigning champion Emma Wilson of Britain.
The regatta concludes on Saturday, 4 April, with Medal Races set to decide the winners.
The event is organised by Bahía Activa with support from World Sailing and regional tourism bodies. It is part of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam, alongside leading regattas in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.
