A1R Squad Shows Early Season Strength at the 55thTrofeo Princesa Sofía
Palma de Mallorca, Spain - As the European Olympic sailing season opened at the 55th edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía, the event once again delivered a clear benchmark for the year ahead. With most of the world’s top teams across all ten Olympic classes on the start line, it provided an early but meaningful test for programs building toward LA 2028.
For America One Racing, the week confirmed that the winter work is translating into performance, and that there is more to build on.
There is a sense of cautious confidence within the team. Not driven by results alone, but by the consistency of execution, the quality of preparation, and the ability to perform across a wide range of conditions. The objective remains unchanged: medals in 2028. The approach continues to be grounded in process, detail, and collective alignment between athletes, coaches, and experts.
After a long and demanding regatta, the A1R squad delivered:
49er – Silver Medal: Nevin Snow / Ian MacDiarmid
IQFoil Men – Silver Medal: Noah Lyons
ILCA 6 – 4th place: Charlotte Rose
Formula Kite Men – 4th place: Noah Runciman
These results are not isolated outcomes. They are the product of a long-term, structured approach built in close collaboration with key partners, including the Sailing Foundation of New York, the Schoonmaker Foundation, the St Francis Sailing Foundation, American Magic, and a committed group of private donors. Their support enables the consistency, depth, and high-performance environment required to operate at this level.
“What we’re seeing is the result of a long-term approach, supported by partners who allow us to stay focused on what matters. That alignment is what enables our A1R athletes to perform at this level.” — Leandro Spina, America One Racing
On the ground in Palma, that support translated into a fully integrated performance environment. A1R deployed expert coaches working across fleets to enhance coordination and share information between coaches and course areas, supported by meteorology, mental coaching, physio services, data analytics, and streamlined operations, all aligned to maximize performance throughout the week.
Across the fleet, performances reflected a full week of racing in varied conditions, with the A1R team able to stay competitive throughout the series.
Within the team, the focus remains on continuous progression.
“I think the biggest shift for us has been staying committed to incremental gains,” said Ian MacDiarmid. “We’re not chasing big breakthroughs. We’re stacking small improvements every day. Over a full week like this, that starts to make a real difference.”
“For me, the level of support we have now is something I’ve never experienced before,” said Noah Lyons. “It allows us to line up against the medalists from 2024 knowing we’re prepared and able to compete at that level.”
“This week was about putting a full event together,” said Noah Runciman. “Making it into the finals for the first time shows what’s possible when we execute across the whole series.”
“One of the biggest differences in this campaign is the ability to build properly over time,” said Helena Scutt. “There’s space to focus on the right things without unnecessary pressure, and that’s allowing us to stay aligned with the bigger goal.”
This is not a moment of arrival. There is still a significant amount of work ahead. But the direction is clear, and the group is operating with intent: identifying priorities, refining execution, and continuing to raise the standard.
The European season is underway, with a few more process events before the World Championships. We remain focused on continuing to raise the bar. The athletes and coaches are all-in.
America One Racing
All images: © Sailing Energy
