Executing the Program: Palma Racing Provides Strong Indicators

The A1R Skiff Squad has begun its European spring training and competition block in Palma, Mallorca, racing on the same waters that will host the 2026 Trofeo Princesa Sofía. The objective of this phase is to integrate offseason training gains into competitive environments while continuing to execute the program’s performance processes.

Nevin Snow and Ian McDiarmid used the early racing opportunities in Palma as an initial benchmark against a strong international fleet. Despite a BFD in the opening race, the team remained disciplined in executing the technical priorities established during the winter—focusing on start line execution, race management, and consistent boat handling across varying conditions.

Over the course of the six-race series, the pair steadily improved their execution and closed the event by winning the final race, ultimately finishing on top of the overall scoreboard. While the result is encouraging, the primary takeaway is that the systems and preparation developed during the offseason are translating effectively into race environments—an important KPI as the team transitions into the European season.

Progress across the squad has not been limited to Palma. The 49erFX team of Paris Henken and Helena Scutt, also completed a productive winter preparation cycle focused on incremental gains and disciplined execution of the training plan.

The team spent the majority of the winter training in Vilamoura, Portugal, completing three focused training blocksagainst a strong European fleet, complemented by periods of preparation at home in Long Beach. This structure allowed the athletes to maximize on-water time in a highly competitive environment while continuing to refine key technical priorities, including equipment setup, race management, and consistency across conditions.

Racing and training against some of the strongest FX teams in Europe provided valuable feedback throughout the winter block, with several very encouraging performances indicating that the offseason work is translating effectively into competitive settings.

Across both programs, the focus remains firmly on process over podiums. The objective is not short-term results, but the consistent return on the investment made during the offseason through disciplined preparation, structured training environments, and continuous incremental improvements.

With a long runway ahead toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games, the emphasis remains on following the plan with discipline and clarity. Early indicators from both the 49er and 49erFX squads suggest the program is progressing in the right direction as the European season begins.