New Zealand and France Victorious at the Princess Sofia Trophy

The medals were decided today at the 42nd Trofeo S.A.R. Princess Sofia MAPFRE in Palma, the third of seven events on the ISAF Sailing World Cup series. New Zealand took the top place on the podium in the 470 Women, with France claiming gold in the 470 men.

470 Women

470 Women Medallists ©  Jésus Renedo

In the women's 470 Jo Aleh and Bianca Barbarich-Bacher (NZL) won gold today after finishing fourth in the medal race for a points total of 64. Ai Kondo and Wakako Tabata (JPN) finished one place behind the Kiwis in the Medal Race and picked up the silver medal.

The Japanese duo led the 470 Women fleet for the majority of the week but a disappointing penultimate day for them handed the opportunity to the New Zealanders who finished the job today and won by ten points. Israel's Gil Cohen and Bouskila Vered claimed the bronze medal.

Jo Aleh and Bianca Barbarich-Bacher had a strong points lead going into the medal race with an eight point margin and their fourth place finish put the gold medal in the bag with a convincing ten point gap to second place.

Penny Clark and Katrina Hughes' (GBR) fourth place in Palma puts them in the lead on the ISAF Sailing World Cup standings.

470 Men

470 Men Medallists ©  Nico Martinez

In the 470 as well, the top two kept their positions going into the medal race to secure a place on the podium and points towards the Sailing World Cup Standings. French Nicolas Charbonnier and Jérémie Mion (FRA), who have been sailing together since February have found their mark to transform the last two months of training months into success. “There are still many points to adjust but this week was a good test for us as new team.” commented Charbonnier.

When asked about their objectives and the French selection coming soon in Hyères, the Olympic bronze medallist answered that “winning the next Olympics is the main goal” and that they will not be distracted by anything else.

France also picked up the silver medal, with Pierre Leboucher and Vincent Garos.

Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell (GBR) were on the podium to collect their bronze medals after a fourth place in the Medal race.

Mat Belcher and Malcolm Page (AUS) continue to lead the ISAF Sailing World Cup standings, after a seventh place overall in Palma.

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More Information:
Event Website
470 Men Results
470 Women Results

Main Image: Jo Aleh and Bianca Barbarich-Bacher (NZL) © Jésus Renedo