The Bermuda Sailing Association has hailed the impressive display by the island’s sailors at the Princess Sofia Trophy regatta in Mallorca last week.

Leading Bermuda’s charge on the water at the Olympic class regatta were Sebastian Kempe and Adriana Penruddocke, who both qualified for the gold fleet in their respective divisions on the way to securing top-50 finishes in testing conditions against the world’s elite sailors.

Kempe finished 49th of the 193 sailors in the ILCA 7 class with Penruddocke 50th in the 116-strong ILCA 6 class.

Also flying the island’s banner at the event were Campbell Patton and Benn Smith, who finished 84th and 158th respectively alongside Kempe in the ILCA 7 class.

“The local sailing community as a whole are extremely proud of the efforts of our four athletes in Palma,” BSA president Somers Cooper told The Royal Gazette. “They experienced some very challenging conditions and fought hard throughout.

“The standout Bermudian performances by Adriana and Sebastian were truly impressive. They both proved that they could compete with the world’s very best in their respective classes.

“The results are a huge confidence builder as they continue their quest towards the Paris Olympics.”

Penruddocke is the only Bermudian sailor to qualify for this summer’s Paris Olympics having secured her spot at the Pan American Games in Algarrobo, Chile, last November.

Former ILCA 6 youth world champion Kempe, Patton and Smith are still attempting to qualify for the upcoming Olympics and will have one final opportunity to do so at the Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, France, next month.

“The boys still have to qualify the country at the Last Chance Regatta,“ Cooper said.

“Another great finish could have us right in the mix for the remaining spots.”

Kempe is inspired by his recent showing in Palma as he continues his pursuit of Olympic qualification.

“I have been up against time for this Olympic cycle because of my age and experience in this boat,” he said.

“However, this event was very good and I am starting to prove myself in this fleet. Nevertheless, the job is not done and qualifying will be a big task.”

Penruddocke’s equally impressive display has also done her confidence the world of good.

“It’s been a massive confidence boost as my Olympic-year preparations continue to increase,” she said.

“Coming away 50th in a fleet of 116 in a variety of light, medium and strong conditions, I am beyond proud to have executed a consistent series both in qualifying and gold fleet.

“This builds more confidence into the further preparations and I’m happy with the progress and continue to look forward in gaining more and more.”