The count-down has begun to the 3rd Navicap Challenge-Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva that takes place 28-30 November, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco. Enthusiasm for this inclusive event continues to grow with over a hundred participants expected this year. From seasoned sailors to amateurs, able-bodied to those with a disability, all will be competing on equal terms on the same courses. Held each year, ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December, the event is part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach. “Sailing is all about people. On a boat everyone finds their place and their role in making it work,” says YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. The event has already proven its value in allowing mixed crews of two to participate in a regatta where performance is down to teamwork rather than individual differences.
Around 60 teams are expected, that’s almost double the number of last year, hailing from England, Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium and Monaco. They will be competing on the stable, easy to handle Hansa 303 class dinghies, specifically designed to enable each crew member to helm, trim and manoeuvre independently. Thanks to the generosity of YCM member Elena Sivoldaeva, the Club was able to acquire a couple of these boats that take two people. They can be two able-bodied, two with disabilities or a mixed crew. The focus is very much on good coordination and intelligently managed manoeuvres.
