Dutch Sailors Prevail at Sailing World Cup

The athletes from the Netherlands came out in full force at the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia MAPFRE 2009 Sailing competition in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The race was the third event in the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Cup series.

Finishing in first position in the 2.4mR class was Thierry Schmitter from the Netherlands. Schmitter carried the top position with a total of 13 points. Schmitter competed in Sailing also at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, and the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games. He received a bronze medal in Athens.

In second position was Andre Rademaker, also from the Netherlands, with 17 points. Following Rademaker was Helena Lucas and Megan Pascoe from Great Britain. They finished both with 25 points. Lucas also competed at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

The fourth event in the ISAF World Cup series will be from 18-24 April in Hyeres, France.

The 2.4mR boats are single-handed keelboats and are designed under the same rule as the 12m America's Cup boats. They are 4.1m long and weigh 260kg. Their design allows the helm to sit amid ships holding all the instruments for controlling the boat craft and navigating, at a distance roughly equal to that of the arms when outstretched.

On an international level, Sailing for athletes with a disability began in the 1980s. The first International Handicap Trophy Regatta was held in Switzerland followed by others in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and, again, the Netherlands.