Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides returns to competition at 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia

Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides resumes competitive racing at the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia in Palma de Mallorca this Sunday, following a recovery from a back injury. The event, which serves as the first of five in the 2026 series, features approximately 200 athletes in the ILCA 7 class among a total of 1,100 sailors from 62 countries. Kontides, a Limassol native and two-time Olympic silver medalist, recently finished fourth in an exhibition race on March 26. He is coached by Jozo Jakelic and is currently ranked third in the ILCA 7 world rankings. Other Cypriot participants include Emilios Poeros in the ILCA 7 class, as well as Natasa Lappa and Marilena Makri in their respective women's categories. The series will continue with races in Hyeres, the Netherlands, Kiel, and Long Beach later this year. Kontides, who also studies nautical science at the University of Southampton, has stated his goal is to win gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.