The first event of the Regional Shared Fleet Championship set the pace for the season on 22-23 November at the Stade Nautique Florence Arthaud in Marseille. A demanding format of nine races over two days, with wind speeds ranging from 5 to 25 knots, were ideal conditions to test the prowess of those competing. YCM’s J/70 class representatives lived up to expectations confirming the strength of the Monaco fleet.
In this article:
– How the Shared Fleet format works
– Two Yacht Club de Monaco teams in the Gold group
– Momentum driving the Monaco J/70 fleet
The shared fleet principle is based on an organised rotation of J/70s during a regatta. It requires crews to be supremely flexible, able to grasp the potential of the boat they take over, quickly alter the settings to suit them and get the boat moving. Aimed at further levelling the playing field of this one design, it highlights the value of the Monegasques results.
At the end of two days of non-stop racing, the two Yacht Club de Monaco teams made it into the Gold group, testimony to their technical prowess and ability to remain competitive in all wind conditions. Fraser Yacht led by Pierrik Devic clinched 1st place after winning three races, followed by Loïc Pompée and his Terrible Joy crew. Steady progress, good starts and reading the wind through close observation of the venue’s sea surface all made the difference.
These results reflect a robust ecosystem established by the Yacht Club de Monaco which has one of the largest J/70 fleets in the Mediterranean with 17 boats registered in the J/70 Monaco Class Association. Having so many raises the bar by creating an environment that fosters a competitive spirit that brings talented crews to the fore. Many meet regularly during the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series monthly regattas organised by YCM since 2013.
The performances in Marseille are a direct result of the quality of training and regularly outings in the Principality that translate into concrete results when YCM’s J/70 class representatives enter a competition.
