Sebastian Kempe is keen to see how he fares against the top sailors in the world as he gears up for the the 55th Princess Sofia Trophy in Spain.

With fleet racing taking place from Monday to Friday before races for the medals take place on Saturday in Mallorca, the Bermudian is aiming for a fast start in the first big regatta of the year.

“I’m feeling good heading into the event,” Kempe said.

“The target is to get into the medal race series on Saturday and I will work hard to achieve that.

“I’ve had a very productive winter training programme and I’m eager to see where I am against the best in the world now. It’s still a long way to go until LA28 so this is not a make-or-break regatta.”

Two weeks ago, the Bermuda male sportsman of the year finished 21st at the 68-boat Mallorca Sailing Centre Regatta, where racing was cancelled due to strong winds in the Bay of Palma leaving the results from the previous two days as the final standings.

Also competing in Spain is another Bermudian, Adriana Penruddocke, who is entering the International Laser Class Association 6 fleet.

Last year, Kempe and Penruddocke qualified for the gold fleet at the same event after both sailors achieved top-ten finishes, with Kempe fifth in the ILCA 7 while Penruddocke managed seventh in the ILCA 6 during the two-day qualifiers.