The 41st Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofía MAPFRE kicked off today with light and unstable winds producing mixed results for competitors on the Bay of Palma for regatta three of the 2009-10 ISAF Sailing World Cup season.
In the men's RS:X fleet, Shahar Zubari (ISR), the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, blasted through the fleet to register two bullets with Fabien Heidegger [ITA] just edging out 2008 Olympic gold medallist Tom Ashley (NZL) who lies third just one point behind. Tom is back on the circuit having taken a year out after his success in Quindao and obviously still a little ring rusty. However he is obviuously on good form and competitive rather than dominant.
Over in the women's fleet, Laura Linares [ITA], the multiple ISAF Youth World Champion is 3 points clear of Charline Picon (FRA) with the 2009 RS:X World Champion, Marina Alabau (ESP) back in 3rd. There then is a tight knot including Marine Rambaud [FRA], Bryony Shaw [GBR] and Alessnadra Sensini [ITA] over which one could throw a pocket handkerchief.
Alessandra is another one who has took a year out after the 2008 Games and seems to be just testing the waters before deciding whether she can make her 5th Olympic Games in 2012. She will no doubt be competitive and has the advantage of being pushed all the way by Laura. This will sharpen them both!
Maybe we will have another dream team on our hands, this time from Italy!
The Spanish version includes Marina Alabau and Blanca Manchon who won here last year who is back in 9th having had a less than sparkling outing on her first day.
Sidebar:
Some in the 113 board fleet had a rude awakening during measurement over the last two days when it became apparent that class rule C7.1[d] haad come into force so there was a made scramble to get hold of the appropriate foils.