The Spanish pre-Olympic team delivered a top-notch performance at the French Olympic Week, building on the momentum from a season opener marked by consistency and competitive growth across several Olympic classes.
Xammar and Cardona solidify their dominance in the mixed 470 class
Jordi Xammar and Marta Cardona confirmed their excellent form in Hyères by clinching the overall victory in the mixed 470 class after skillfully managing the lead they had built up throughout the week. With two fifth-place finishes in the Medal Series, held in winds of 15 to 18 knots, the Spanish crew opted for a conservative strategy, focused on keeping their main rivals, the British team, in check.
The duo held onto the lead from the third day of competition onward, capping off a solid, flawless performance in the waters off the French Mediterranean coast. This victory underscores a brilliant start to the season, following their European bronze medal and the gold medals they won at the Princess Sofia Trophy and this French leg of the Sailing Grand Slam.
Sustained growth and room for improvement
Regardless of the result, the team stands out for its technical progress. Xammar emphasized the importance of strategic management during a decisive race marked by tactical pressure, while Cardona highlighted the team’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and its improvement compared to previous races.
Both agree that, despite recent successes, the project still has a long way to go. Having sailed together for just over a year, the goal is to continue refining their teamwork ahead of the World Championship in Japan this August.
Mas and de Maqua close out the game with a strong comeback
Silvia Mas and Alejandro “Tano” de Maqua had a standout final day that allowed them to climb to sixth place in the overall standings. With two second-place finishes in the Medal Series, the Spanish crew executed their planned strategy with precision amid challenging wind conditions and a highly competitive fleet.
The result marks a positive outcome after an up-and-down week, but it demonstrates the team’s ability to perform under pressure and compete at the highest level in high-stakes finals.
Suárez and Henke, just one step away from the podium in the 49er FX
In the 49er FX class, Patricia Suárez and Melania Henke narrowly missed the podium after finishing in fourth place, just three points behind the bronze medalists. The Galician-Mallorcan duo entered the Medal Series with a real chance at a medal and kept the fight going until the very last race.
A third-place finish in the first race kept their hopes alive, but a more challenging second race—complicated by an unfavorable shift during the first upwind leg—ultimately kept them off the podium.
Despite this, the team views the result positively, highlighting its competitiveness in challenging conditions and its ability to hold its own against the top international crews.
A demanding schedule sets the course for the summer
International competition heats up in May with key events for the Spanish pre-Olympic team. Highlights include the Formula Kite World Championships in Viana do Castelo, the 49er, 49er FX, and Nacra 17 races in Quiberon, as well as the ILCA and iQFOiL European Championships in Croatia and Portugal.
This competitive stretch will be crucial in solidifying the Spanish crews’ performance as they work toward their major goals for the season.