37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse (J/70, Smeralda 888 and Dragon)

 

Monaco, 19th February 2021 – Around 60 teams in three classes (J/70, Smeralda 888 and Dragon) are set to compete in Monaco for the traditional Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse from 4-7 March 2021. Launched in 1985 at the instigation of YCM President, HSH Prince Albert II, the regatta which awards garments from Slam Advanced Technology Sportswear is the largest European winter race meeting in the Mediterranean.

 

A passion for racing

Be they keen amateur or seasoned sailors or professionals, all enjoy getting out on the water for this international regatta at the start of the season which for the J/70s counts as the final stage (Act 3) of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series. This is a very active class in the Principality which is hosting the World Championship in 2022.

Many highly experienced crews like the Italians on Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries, current J/70 European Champions, have their sights set on mastering the Monaco race area. They face tough competition from local sailors such as YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-spot) and Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda-Banca del Sempione). As always with YCM regattas, young sailors from the Club’s Sports Section who normally compete in Nacra 14, Optimist and Laser also have an opportunity to pit their wits against the best on J/70s.

 

 

Also present will be a fleet of Dragons, famous for combining elegance, finesse and power and requiring a high level of skill to helm. The class celebrates its 92nd anniversary this year, with Class President and YCM member Jens Rathsack among those registered.

 

Smeralda 888: gentlemen at the helm

The Primo Cup kick starts the Smeralda 888 International Championship, won three times by Timofey Sukhotin (Beda). The defending champions will be keen to maintain their dominance against Botta Dritta led by Francesco Vauban and Class President and six-time winner of the championship, Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux Siciles (Vamos Mi Amor). As a warm-up, the “Smeraldists” will be competing in a match race, the America’s Cup format, 20-21 February.

 

Prevention takes precedence

As they did for Act 2 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series in January, the J/70 Monaco Class Association has arranged for those who want it to have Covid tests, something that visiting teams may take up to comply with their country’s health regulations before they return home. To avoid people crowding round a notice board, the organisers have introduced a system to send information on results etc. digitally.

 

Programme 37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse (subject to change)

  • Thursday 4th March:                     2.30pm – warm-up races
  • Friday 5th March:                          12 noon – first warning signal
  • Saturday 6th March:                     11.00am – first warning signal
  • Sunday 7th March:                        11.00am – races followed by prize-giving

 

Press contacts: Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: presse@ycm.org

Copyright-free photos and video footage on request.