As an indicator as to possible Olympic sailing medal form in Rio, the Trofeo Princesa Sofia IBEROSTAR regatta which finished today (Saturday) in Palma revealed two absolute stand outs. France’s charismatic four times wold champions Billy Besson and Marie Riou won the Nacra 17 class with a day to spare and win the overall Trofeo Princesa Sofia IBEROSTAR for the best performance at the regatta.
“The week was really interesting because the weather condition was really different each day; sometimes windy, sometimes not, sometimes hot and sometimes really cold but overall we are happy to make a good job out there. We are working on starts and communication and things. And so although we won not everything is perfect. The perfect day is really difficult.”
“We are working towards Rio and every result is important, but the finishing place is not a big thing, at this stage it is more about how we sail, trying to do the best job on board each and every day. That is what we are trying to do. But you can never be perfect, you keep trying.” Besson acknowledged before breaking into his trademark broad grin: “But winning is great and it will be great to be able to meet and kiss the queen!”
The famous Bay of Palma dealt the armada of over 800 boats competing at the 47th Trofeo Princesa Sofia IBEROSTAR a full range of different breezes, just what was really wanted by those sailors who have their courses set towards the 2012 Olympic regatta in Rio.
For the first time Spain’s showcase Olympic event offered European countries their last opportunity to qualify their nation for the Olympics. For other sailors it was a selection trials event. And for very many, the traditional curtain raiser to the European Olympic classes season, was a chance to polish their skills in a high pressure, big fleets situation.
