Irish Olympic sailors compete at ISAF Sailing World Cup in Palma, Mallorca

Racing got underway today at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia - MAPFRE in the Bay of Palma, Mallorca. This is the third of seven regattas in the 2011-2012 ISAF Sailing World Cup series which started in Perth in December 2011 followed by Miami in January 2012.

There is strong Irish interest in the regatta with two of the three campaigns who have already qualified for the Olympics and three campaigns who still hope to qualify for London competing at this major event with 1000 boats and 1500 competitors.

As it is an early season regatta both ISA Olympic campaigns (Annalise Murphy; Laser Radial, Matt McGovern & Ryan Seaton; 49er) will be using this event to improve technique in advance of a busy season in the lead up to the Olympics.


The three Irish campaigns that have yet to qualify are firmly focused on their qualifying events in May and will use Palma to test drive their winter training.


The qualifying events and dates are as follows:

• 06-12 May James Espey, Laser World Championships, Germany
• 13- 20 May Ross Hamilton, Finn World Championships, UK
• 12-21 May Ger Owens and Scott Flanigan, 470 World Championships, Spain

Conditions were very light this morning with postponements on all courses. Racing continues until Saturday the 8th of April.