Sailing: A “remarkable performance” for Lorenzo Mayer ahead of the Mediterranean Games

Lorenzo Mayer has only one goal in mind: to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It’s no small feat, given the high caliber of competition in his discipline, the ILCA 7. So the Saint-Barth Yacht Club member is working tirelessly to make it happen. His tenacity is paying off. On June 24, in Germany during Kiel International Week, Lorenzo took second place on the podium after five races, trailing Italy’s Attilio Borio by just one point. Behind them were 117 competitors. “It’s like a mini World Cup that takes place every year,” says Lorenzo. “We arrived pretty late and weren’t properly trained. But it’s a body of water I like, where I know my way around. We had some unpredictable conditions. But I adapt—that’s my strength. I don’t overthink things. That’s quite an achievement!”
Race after race, he racked up solid results in the top 10. Consistent, the young competitor went after every point. “I’m really happy with this silver medal—I wasn’t expecting it,” Lorenzo says. “We only had five races out of ten, so you had to be there at the right moment.”
Not one to rest on his laurels, Lorenzo takes a very critical view of his season. “It’s been a bit mediocre,” he admits. “But I’m always improving—never going backward. Everyone’s training for the Olympics, so the level is rising. Some people surprise you. In one race, they’re in the lead; in others, they’re behind. So we have to keep working.”

From Taranto to Fortaleza
Although he takes a rather harsh view of his season, Lorenzo has nonetheless earned a spot on the team for the Mediterranean Games. “That’s great news,” he says. “It’s a crucial event in my journey as an Olympian.” In late August, in Taranto, Italy, the Saint-Barth Yacht Club will once again be represented at the highest level thanks to Lorenzo Mayer. “The only problem is that it conflicts with the World Championships, which is a major event,” Lorenzo laments. “Oh well, I’ll compete in the Mediterranean Games. I’m proud to represent the island at these games.” ” Moreover, with an eye toward the Olympic Games, participating in such an event will give him the chance to network, as athletes from other Olympic sports will be competing. “It’s going to be quite an experience,” the young competitor says excitedly.
After the Mediterranean Games, the season will be over. Lorenzo will then turn his attention to his second goal: securing a spot on the team for the World Sailing Championships in Fortaleza, Brazil, which will take place from January 22 to 30, 2027. “This will be a pivotal moment for me and the team I sail with,” says Lorenzo. “Only sixteen nations will qualify for the Olympics, so this is a major goal—a driving force for all of us. We know it’s going to be tough, but we won’t give up.” ” That’s what it will take for him to make it to Los Angeles 2028.