April’s episode of the World Sailing Show focuses on the start of World Cup events

• The Ocean Race sets sail on a 12750nm marathon from Cape Town to Itajai in Brazil
• The World Cup kicks off in Mallorca with all 10 Olympic Classes competing
• Wingfoilers stop off in Abu Dhabi for the first IWSA World Cup event of 2023

All 10 Olympic Classes took to the waters of Palma, meaning this was the perfect chance to lay down an early marker for the season – but it didn’t always go to plan for the pre-event favourites. This month’s episode of the World Sailing Show also goes behind the scenes with the leaders in every class to hear about their preparations for the road to Paris 2024.

Elsewhere, as Wingfoiling continues to show why it has become one of the most exciting and fastest growing discipline in all of sailing, the World Sailing Show joins the action at the first event of the IWSA World Cup in Abu Dhabi. Reigning world champion Paula Novotna was in fine form throughout, but there were some shocks in the men’s competition.

The Ocean Race heads to Brazil on the longest leg in the event’s history. So far, the first two legs of the race had been dominated by Holcim, but the 12,750 nautical mile leg from Cape Town to Brazil had all the ingredients for that to change. The World Sailing Show hears from Kevin Escoffier, skipper of Team Holcim – PRB, Boris Herrmann of Team Malizia and Charlie Enright of 11th Hour Racing as each skipper prepares to steer their crews past the world’s three great capes.

The prospect of 35-40 days at sea was always going to be a test of skill, character and resilience, not just for the sailors but for the boats as well. In amongst the drama, the leg also saw the IMOCA speed record beaten twice in quick succession.