The route stays faithful to the event’s core identity with three stages along the Italian and Monegasque coasts. However, the format has changed slightly for this 16th edition with a team-based ranking being introduced. Each team can opt to compete with two boats, one in ORC 1 and the other in ORC 2, with the Trophy being awarded to the team that finishes first in the overall ranking. Alongside, several other classes are eligible to participate, namely IRC, ORC, ORC DH, Classic Yachts, Racing/Cruising and FIV Rating.
The first start will be given on Friday at 11:55 for the leg from Sanremo to Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia. On Saturday, the fleet sets sail again at 10:55 for Monaco where the boats will stay over. The same schedule applies on Sunday for the final leg from the Principality to Sanremo where the prize-giving ceremony takes place.
Yacht Club de Monaco will again be well-represented on the water. In the fleet will be Andrea Statari and his Gorilla Gang, competing in both the ORC and IRC categories. Philippe Lemarchand and Pierre Bouchet, both members of the Club’s Flotte des Commissaires (race stewards) are sailing on Karakool with Thierry Leret from the Club’s Sports Section. Then there is Eric Muller at the helm of K’Mena and Massimo Sorli onboard Melissa II, while Francesco Orlando on Vega and Argynne III are also among the participants.
This time crews will have to cope with very different conditions to those encountered last year, with forecasts for 5 to 10 knots. The Grimaldi Trophy is ringing in the changes for this 16th edition of an event that also serves as the start of the 43rd West Liguria Winter Championship (2026/2027) that continues until March with several regattas scheduled in Sanremo.
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