The trophy was presented by the then ISAF President, Peter Tallberg, accompanied by ISAF President of Honour, HM King Constantine. The ISAF Beppe Croce Trophy was awarded in recognition of the enormous support His Majesty has given to the sport of sailing and to the IYRU in developing the sport worldwide, particularly in Spanish speaking countries. An Olympic competitor in the Dragon class at the 1972 Olympic Games, Munich, Germany, His Majesty is still a very active sailor, and has passed on his love of the sport to his children, the Infanta Christina who was a member of the Spanish Olympic squad in the 470 and the Prince de Asturias who competed at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona in the Soling.

His Majesty is an active supporter of many of Spain’s most significant international events, including the Copa del Rey and the Princess Sofia Trophy.