As March begins, let’s take a look at what’s coming up in the sailing world. The sailing season is only just gathering momentum, yet several major events are already appearing on the horizon. Big changes may be coming to the SSL ranking after the upcoming regatta.
Tomorrow marks the start of the Bacardi Cup regatta. Six-time champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz, captain of SSL Team Poland, and Brazil’s Bruno Prada return to defend their title. Year after year, the Bacardi Cup Trophy has been lifted high in their hands, continuing a tradition that spans nearly a century.
The new champions will be crowned on March 7. You can read the full preview here.
Photo Credit: 98th Bacardi Cup / Marina Semenova
On Friday, the European Championship for the 470 Class sailors will begin. From March 6–14, the Portuguese sailing venue of Vilamoura will host the fleet, marking the official opening of this year’s top-level international regatta season.
The regatta in Vilamoura is expected to attract a record number of crews, not only from Europe but from across the globe. The championship will also serve as a testing ground for the new medal series format, designed to increase the visibility and promotion of high-performance sailing and the 470 Class. The title will be defended by Jordi Xammar, the 2025 World Champion and two-time European Champion. After the European Championship, will Jordi Xammar overtake the current SSL ranking leader, Diego Botín? Everything will be decided on March 15.
470 Europeans official website
Photo Credit: 470 Olympic Class/ Szymon Sikora
At the end of March (March 27 – April 4), sailing fans will witness the first scoring event of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam season. More than 700 teams from 56 countries have already registered for the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca. The provisional list includes teams from 56 nationalities, reaffirming the international character of the Sofia. By country, Spain and Italy are the largest contingents with 57 each, followed by 45 from Germany, 44 from Great Britain, and 42 from China. Bulgaria, Guatemala, Luxembourg, Morocco, Monaco, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Thailand, and Uruguay are represented by a single team each. At the moment, five delegations are represented in all ten disciplines: Australia, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Switzerland. The Spanish team has pre-registered athletes in all disciplines except Formula Kite Women.
Competitors in the following classes will battle for victory: 470, 49er, 49erFX, Formula Kite Men and Women, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, IQFOiL Men and Women, and Nacra 17. Website: Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca website
The March events look very promising and will undoubtedly have an impact on the SSL ranking. Stay up to date with the ranking, which will be updated later today here.
Photo Credit: Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels