The 2026 season for Pavlos Kontides begins in Palma de Mallorca, as the Cypriot sailor gradually returns to action following a back injury that has been troubling him.
Competing in the 55th Trofeo Princesa Sofia, an event in which he participates every year without exception, Kontides will aim to make the best possible start to the season despite the issue he is dealing with.
His best result in Palma came in 2023, when he finished fourth. Last year, he secured another top-ten finish, placing ninth.
The Mallorca Grand Slam is the first of five events in the 2026 series. It will be followed by competitions in Hyères in April, in the Netherlands at the end of May, in Kiel in June, and in Long Beach in mid-summer, where last year the two-time Olympic silver medallist won the bronze medal. On Thursday (26/03), the Limassol Nautical Club sailor took part in an exhibition race, finishing fourth.
Around 1,100 sailors from 62 countries are expected to compete in this year’s event in Palma de Mallorca. Most will take part in the ILCA 7 class, in which Kontides competes, with a total of 200 sailors entered.
In addition to Kontides, another Cypriot sailor will compete in the same category, Emilios Poeros, who won bronze at the Youth World Championships last December.
Cyprus will also be represented in the women’s events by Natasa Lappa and Marilena Makri, competing in the iQFOiL and ILCA 6 classes respectively.
Kontides’ Super Grand Sponsor is Freedom24, while Allwyn remains his long-standing major sponsor. Additional sponsors include Ayia Napa Marina, the Leventis Foundation and Petrolina. Supporters include Alassia NewShips Management, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, VITA Group and Hartmann Holdings LTD.