April 4, 2019 - The Jubilee 50th edition of the prestigious sailing regatta for the Olympic Classes “Trophy of Princess Sofia Iberostar,” one of a total of five of the EUROSAF Champions Cup series, is held from 29 March to 7 April in Palma de Mallorca. In nine of the ten Olympic Sailing Classes, 1,224 sailors are competing on 850 sailing boats that represent more than 68 countries. The most significant number of competitors is in the Laser Standard Class, in which the colors of Montenegro will be defended by sailors Milivoje Dukić and Ilija Marković under the firm hand of selector Ilko Klakor.
In the first two days, there were four qualifying regattas, and our sailors exceeded the expectations of the prestigious "Princess of Sofia" regatta in Palma de Majorca. Milivoj Dukic (YC Jugole Grakalić Herceg Novi) was forced to compete in a ferocious competition in the gold group where 60 sailors will fight for the winning podium in the next two days. Ilija Markovic (YC Delfin Tivat) remained in the bronze group, but it was deceptive because he was meant to compete with far older and experienced sailors, with guys who could be praised for winning the Olympic, World and European medals during the career.
Milivoj Dukic entered the finals from 54th, while Ilija Markovic won the 166th place in the competition of the 187 best sailors on the planet. There are two other days of races at Palma de Mallorca. Milivoj will strive to ensure the best possible placement in gaining more confidence in the effort to reach the third consecutive Olympic Games, and Ilija Markovic gained experience for the junior competitions that are expected this year, as well as for the Balkans Championship whose host in September will be Tivat and Montenegro.
Before the start of the World Cup racing competition, Montenegrin sailors emphasized that they wanted to give the maximum and to see where they are with the best sailors of the planet at this time. Milivoj Dukic, who twice participated in the Olympic Games, secretly hoped for the big gold finals, and Ilija Markovic, who is only 17 years old, will be steadily gaining experience for significant competitions in his category. Both goals have been achieved, said the Montenegrin Sailing Federation.
