Speed is the new essence as Princess Sofia regatta gets under way

Higher speeds have been flagged as a new era for Olympic sailing as the annual Princess Sofia regatta gets under way on the unseasonably chilly Bay of Palma on Monday.
More than 1,000 sailing athletes from 63 nations are in Mallorca for the event – the first major competition of the year in a Covid-foreshortened Olympic quadrennial building up to Paris 2024.
Equipment changes are significant across the event, with half the disciplines now utilising foiling technology to achieve lift over the water.
In the 49er skiff event, where Ireland has two boats, sails are being switched to more durable, longer-lasting black material.
The venerable women and men’s single-handed class has escaped upgrades, though the name change from Laser to ILCA (International Laser Class Association) following a protracted legal dispute is more than sufficient modification for many.

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