The Olympic Sailing Love Affair with the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca

The Sofía Trophy and its participants share a mutual love story that will celebrate its 54th edition with the arrival of next spring.

Since its inception in 1968 as a Dragon class regatta organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca has continuously evolved, incorporating new classes, formats, and organizers, until becoming a must-attend event on the annual calendar of the world’s top sailors in each Olympic cycle.

With 42 days to go until the 54th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca, we take a look at the trajectory of an event that has transformed Palma Bay into the global epicenter of Olympic sailing, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the best sailors of each era.

Its status as a cornerstone regatta in the annual preparation schedule for Olympic hopefuls is the result of half a century of hard work, commitment, and dedication from its organizers, along with the loyalty of sailors who return to Mallorca year after year, feeling at home in the event.

In its current format, the competition is open to the ten disciplines that will compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, organized jointly by the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), Club Nàutic S’Arenal (CNA), Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa (CMSAP), the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation (RFEV), and the Balearic Sailing Federation (FBV). However, its origins trace back to a single club and a single class.

"The event was founded in 1968 by the RCNP for the Dragon class, which was already an Olympic and mixed-gender discipline," explains Manu Fraga, manager of the Palma-based club.

"In 1974, H.R.H. Princess Sofía requested an expansion of the fleet, incorporating the Finn, 470, and Soling classes—featured in the Montreal 1976 Olympic cycle—along with Snipe, 420, and Europa. To make this possible, we began collaborating with CNA, CMSAP, and Club de Mar Mallorca (CMM). That edition transformed the event into the multi-class regatta it is today, won by a 470—the longest-standing Olympic medal-winning boat, which continues to compete in the Sofía Trophy."

Just as the 470 class remains part of the Sofía Trophy fleet, the founding club maintains its bond with the event, as Fraga points out:

"Over the years, the Trofeo Princesa Sofía has evolved and solidified its position as one of the most important regattas on the international calendar. The RCNP’s commitment to this event has been unwavering for more than half a century, demonstrating our passion for sailing and our ability to organize top-level events. We have witnessed how this regatta has driven the development of sailing in our country and has helped position Mallorca as a global benchmark for sailing competitions."

The trophy’s pedestal bears the names of sailors who stood out among the best of their time, many of whom went on to become Olympic champions. The last single-class edition, held in 1973, was won by then-Prince Juan Carlos, sailing alongside Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba and Félix Gancedo.

Since its transformation into a multi-class regatta, the trophy has been claimed by true legends of the sport:

• Marit Bouwmeester (2014, Laser)
• Sir Ben Ainslie (2011, Finn)
• Alessandra Sensini (2010, RS:X)
• Blanca Manchón (2009, RS:X)
• Theresa Zabell & Begoña Vía-Dufresne (1995, 470)
• Natalia Vía-Dufresne (1992, Europa)
• Jordi Calafat & Kiko Sánchez Luna (1989, 470)
• Luis Doreste (1979, Europa & 1985 with Roberto Molina, 470)
• Toño Gorostegui & Pedro Millet (1976, 470)
• Santiago Lange, who won back-to-back editions in 1986 and 1987 alongside Miguel Saubidet in the Snipe class.

"Reaching Europe was already a huge milestone, and winning a tournament like this was incredible for us," recalls Argentine sailing star Santiago Lange.

"The Snipe wasn’t Olympic at the time, but I treasure those victories as historic moments in my career."

Having competed in around 36 editions, Lange is well-positioned to explain the special connection between Olympic sailing and the Mallorcan regatta:

"The Sofía is special because it has always cared about sailors, always wanted to grow, and that’s something you can feel. For those of us who had a hard time reaching Europe, the Sofía always welcomed us. In its early years, the Spanish Navy would transport our boats for free, and accommodation and meals were included in the entry fee. You could always tell that the organization prioritized making sure the participants enjoyed themselves. Add to that the stunning Palma Bay and Spain’s vibrant social atmosphere—it’s an incredible tournament, and it’s no coincidence that it continues to grow in importance on the Olympic calendar."

The feeling is mutual, as Jaime Carbonell from the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca explains:

"Every year, we feel the affection of the participants, their coaches, and the federations from different countries that visit us. They understand and appreciate the effort and dedication of so many people committed to this regatta. The fact that the Sofía is known as ‘the sailors’ regatta’ is the best proof of a love that goes both ways."

The 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca will take place from March 28 to April 5 and is part of the Sailing Grand Slam 2025, alongside the Semaine Olympique Française, Dutch Water Week, Kieler Woche, and Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta.