WoW April 04 25. No Go ETNZ Defend AC in NZ, Princessa Sofia Days 1-2, BVI Regatta, Dragons more

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The beautiful Bay of Palma ushered in the new Olympic sailing quadrennial with sparkling, near perfect conditions – sunshine and 16-18kts winds - as the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels got under way for the 10 events which will contest the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Formula Kite class kicked off the 54th Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma Bay with exciting races under brisk NW winds. Athletes embraced the fast conditions, marking their return to international competition after six months. China's women dominated early, led by Si Wang, while reigning Olympic champion Ellie Aldridge balanced her kiteboarding comeback with SailGP training. In the men's fleet, Singapore's Max Maeder showcased his skill with four consecutive wins, holding off Austria's Valentin Bontus and Czech rider Vojtech Koska. A colorful spectacle of kites and foils lit up the bay as competitors tested new gear ahead of the season.

This is your weekly Global Sailing Highlights show, the World on Water, for week ending April 4, 2025.

Since winning the 37th America’s Cup in October last year The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand have been intent on exploring the possibility of hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland with the understanding it would take a combination of private backing, Local Government as well as Central Government support to make it happen, but not at the expense of funding other priorities in the tough economic climate.
So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and Central Government have decided not to back the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2027.

Old friends, new faces, and world-class sailing — welcome to the 52nd edition of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.
In this year’s official preview, Regatta Director Cayley Smit and Regatta Chairman Chris Haycraft set the stage for an unforgettable week in the British Virgin Islands. From the tight competition of the VX One fleet to the unbeatable atmosphere of the Regatta Village, Nanny Cay once again takes centre stage as the true home of Caribbean racing.
One location. One incredible community. Let’s make it a week to remember.

The 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by Fergus Hotels is underway! Get the latest update on the first day of racing, where Black Star, Aera, and Aurum have emerged as the early leaders. This video recaps the highlights from day one, showcasing these top performers and setting the stage for an exciting competition.

The competition program for the ORC Cruising and One Design classes concluded after three days of varied conditions on the Bay of Palma. These races served as a prologue to the Olympic class regatta, which will bring together nearly 800 boats from 54 countries on the Bay of Palma from Monday, March 31, to Saturday, April 5.



9 nations, 26 boats bringing together for the great 20th International Italian Dragon Cup in Sanremo
A 20° edition with adverse weather conditions, strong winds, and sudden rains that did not prevent the crews from battling with determination and a spirit of competition. Four races, fought to the last, held in two days, of extraordinary quality, where the sailing mastery and tenacity of the athletes emerged in all their intensity.
Thanks to our partners and our staff for the great success of the event, in particular Regione Liguria and Comune di Sanremo; Toio for dressing the crews; Portosole Sanremo Club Nautico Internazionale guarantees perfect logistics and spaces; Royal Hotel Sanremo for the welcome cocktail.

Final world champions announced at 2025 Hansa and Para Worlds
One last bid for redemption in the Hansa 303 One Person class at the 2025 Hansa and Para World Championships on Pittwater today, with five realistically vying for the crown, but big conditions decided otherwise and Gauthier Bril (FRA) was named new World Champion.
A visibly relieved Bril was sipping a beer after the race was canned: “I am super happy to win after finishing sixth at the Worlds two years ago and then doing one year of training.
“Sailing here was really difficult, because at the front of the fleet you can’t make any mistakes, you need to be the best you can. The sailors who make the least mistakes win, but there are many other variables as well.

With light winds early in the day and sea breeze expected this afternoon, the postponement flags are already up at three venues of the 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels: Club Nàutic S’Arenal, Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa, and Portitxol. Currently, the wind speed on the racecourses is barely 1 or 2 knots. At 1000hrs today there are postponements for the Nacra 17, 49er, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, and women's IQFOiL.