NSWIS Sailors Ready for 2025 Grand Slam Opener

The 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Regatta will commence today and continue through to April 5^th in Mallorca, Spain, marking the first major international test for Olympic-class sailors this season.

With 700 crews from 53 countries set to compete across the ten Olympic classes, the event promises high-intensity racing and world-class competition. Australia will be represented by 55 sailors across nine disciplines, from Olympians to Pathway Team and Performance Pathway sailors, all eager to showcase their talent on the Mediterranean stage.

This regatta is the first event in the newly branded Sailing Grand Slam, an initiative by World Sailing to reinvigorate the Olympic-class racing circuit. The Grand Slam replaces the previous World Cup Series and aims to strengthen sailing’s contribution to the Olympic Movement.

The series consists of five key events: Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca (Spain), Semaine Olympique Française (France), Kieler Woche (Germany), Dutch Water Week (Netherlands) and Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta (USA). These prestigious regattas, including a newly added event in Los Angeles 2028’s host city, will provide a crucial pathway toward the next Olympic Games.

Australia will be well represented across the event, with a strong lineup of competitors. Zoe Thomson, who secured back-to-back silver medals the previous two editions, returns alongside the competitive Australian ILCA6 squad, aiming to continue her strong performances in the class. New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Grae Morris is in Palma with confidence after securing his first major international victory at the iQFOiL International Games just two weeks ago. He will be joined by five other Australians in an impressive 116 foiling board fleet.

In the 49erFX class, Laura Harding and NSWIS athlete Annie Wilmot, who placed eighth last year, return with a fire burning to move into medal contention in the 47-boat fleet. The 49er class will feature six Australian teams, with newly formed crews looking to establish themselves in their first international meet together, testing partnerships ahead of the next four years.

Australia’s ILCA7 cohort, despite missing Olympic champion Matt Wearn, remains one of the largest contingents in the fleet, with 10 Australians competing in the 176-boat lineup. Ethan McAullay, who placed seventh last year, will push for another top 10 finish, while current Australian National Champion Zac Littlewood is looking to make his mark after a strong domestic season.

Four Australian Nacra 17 teams will take on the world’s best in the Mixed Multihull with Olympians and NSWIS athletes Brin Liddell and Rhiannan Brown, determined to break into the top 10 after finishing 11th in last year’s event. There are three Australian entries in the Mixed 470 fleet as they see how they measure up in the 55 boat fleet.

This iconic regatta is known for its diverse and challenging conditions, ranging from strong breeze and waves to light, choppy sea breezes as well as shifty offshore winds. It is a crucial early-season test, allowing Australia’s top sailors to measure themselves against the world’s best while fine-tuning their performance ahead of peak events later in the year.

Racing is set to begin today, and all eyes will be on Australia’s rising stars as they compete on the international stage.

Story: Australian Sailing Team