Cypriot sailors conclude performance at Hyères Sailing Grand Slam

The second Grand Slam sailing event of the 2026 season concluded in Hyères, France, featuring Cypriot athletes Pavlos Kontides and Natasa Lappa. Pavlos Kontides, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, participated in the ILCA7 class, maintaining a top-ten presence throughout the final stages of the event. The competition utilized a new format, featuring two medal races on the final day, April 25, instead of a single double-points race, a system intended for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Natasa Lappa achieved the best performance of her career in the IQFOIL class, finishing 18th overall after a consistent series in the Gold Fleet, despite a technical steering issue in her final race. Other competitors, such as Marilena Makri, also participated in the regatta, which is a major fixture in the international sailing calendar. The event allowed athletes to test their readiness ahead of the European Championships. Australian athlete Matt Wearn led the competition rankings in the ILCA7 category as the regatta progressed.