Kites invited to the Princess Sofia Trophy

Spanish Olympic classes regatta results to be part of the IKA world rankings

Despite it being chosen as an class for Rio 2016 and then being rudely dropped last autumn, kiteboarding is to feature at this year's Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia Mapfre as an invited class.

The move comes in view of kiteboarding possible future inclusion in the ISAF Sailing World Cup and the Olympic Games.

The Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia will count for the International Kiteboarding Association's world ranking together with other international events. While the regatta runs over 30 March-6 April, the kiteboarder will have four racing days from 2-5 April with further exhibition racing on 6 April as the Olympic classes are holding their medal races.

“The International Kiteboarding Association is more than happy to secure the inclusion in this important event, as it brings another excellent opportunity to prove how kiteboarding can be included in the major ISAF sailing events”, says Markus Schwendtner, the IKA's Executive Secretary.

Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia Mapfre CEO, Ferran Muniesa added: “The organisers of the Sofia Mapfre are working to innovate and contribute to make sailing a more spectacular sport. The initiative of including kiteboarding, supported by the Spanish Sailing Federation as well as ISAF, is a step towards this goal."

The kites will be based on the beach opposite the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mapfre village, located at the Pabisa Beach Club on Playa de Palma.