The Bay of Palma is set for the Sandberg Estates J/70 Worlds
by Sandberg Estates J/70 Worlds 15 Sep 10:42 PDT
13-22 September 2024
All prepped for the Sandberg Estates J/70 Worlds in Palma © SailingShots by María Muiña
On Monday, September 16 at 14:30, the fleet will participate in an official training race to finalize preparations prior to the competition’s launch.
Fast, nimble, and exceptionally competitive at just seven meters long, the J/70 may be the most prevalent One Design fleet globally. Since its inception in 2012, it has continuously expanded in popularity. To date, nearly 2,000 boats have been sold across 30 nations.
The Sandberg Estates J/70 Worlds will compete for the world title in the Bay of Palma, gathering the top one hundred teams from the international landscape. On Monday, the fleet will have a chance to assess their competition through the official training race.
At the helm of “Nildo” is Argentine Guillermo Parada, the current skipper of “Gladiator” in the 52 Super Series, and a seasoned sailor in the TP52 class. According to Parada,
“The J/70 is a cleverly designed boat conceptually, which explains its widespread success globally.”
It is relatively lightweight, fast for its size, and user-friendly. It’s reasonably priced, responsive enough to make a difference in sailing, yet forgiving enough for older sailors to remain competitive,” added Parada.
For “Nildo,” it will serve as a significant test, and the team understands the challenge ahead, as the Argentine skipper noted,
“In this event, we’re here to evaluate the level of such a large fleet. I just came from porto Cervo where we were racing with the Maxis, so I’m eager to sail, especially to enjoy the sport with friends and my brother. This will be our first experience with the J/70s here in Palma, so we’ll see how it unfolds.”
Monday will offer the fleet their initial encounter on the bay.
A total of 96 boats representing 25 countries will converge starting Tuesday to compete for the coveted title presented by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the International J/70 Association. Additionally, the event will occur on one of the world’s premier racecourses.
On Monday, beginning at 14:30, the fleet will experience their first taste of competition through the training race.
Giangiacomo Serena, helmsman of “G Spot” from Monaco and a two-time winner of the Copa del Rey in the ClubSwan 36 category, stated,
“There is a significant sailing culture here, with an exceptionally effective organization and an outstanding racecourse. We’d be pleased with a top ten finish, but it won’t be easy, given the high caliber of the participating teams.”
Parada elaborated on the bay’s conditions,
“They vary significantly depending on the racecourse’s location. The bay behaves quite differently if the course is set towards the Arenal side, centrally located, or closer to the coast than further out.”
Monday’s activities will culminate at the RCNP with the opening ceremony at 19:00. This event will officially welcome around 400 sailors to Palma, who will compete throughout the week for the season’s most prestigious title. The ceremony will be attended by Vittorio Di Mauro, president of the international class, and Rafael Gil, president of the RCNP.
The Sandberg Estates J/70 Worlds 2024 is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the International J/70 Association, sponsored by Sandberg Estates, with the support of Palma Town Hall, the Spanish Navy, the Baleares Port Authority, the Spanish Royal Sailing Federation, and the Baleares Sailing Federation.
Further information available at www.rcnp.es/j70worlds
