Ben Ainslie staged a dramatic and dominant comeback at the Trofeo Princess Sofia MAPFRE regatta in Palma, Mallorca

After an indifferent start in heavy airs at the Trofeo Princesa Sofia MAPFRE regatta in Palma, Mallorca, Ben Ainslie, the subject of our first Olympic athlete profile, staged a dramatic and dominant comeback, winning the medal race from arch GBR rival Giles Scott.

With Scott snapping at his heels, Ainslie realised selection in the Finn Class for London 2012 was by no means a foregone conclusion and his form in the Sail For Gold Regatta at Weymouth in June this summer will be crucial.

Ainslie has been out of the Finn arena for some time, concentrating instead on the match racing circuit
following Team Origin’s decision to quit the America’s Cup. “The comeback to the Finn has been hard work,” says Ainslie. “I need to work more on my fitness. It is good to see the other British do well. It is motivating and good for sailing in England.”

Iain Percy and ‘Bart’ Simpson dominated in the Star, as did Paul Goodison in the Laser and there were good performances from Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell in the 470. Penny Clark and Katrina Hughes in the women’s 470 were on the pace with a 4th.