Be they seasoned pros or they just love sailing, those competing in the 19th Palermo-Montecarlo will remember this edition for a long time. Organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia, in collaboration with Yacht Club de Monaco and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this offshore race never fails to throw up memorable moments such as the extraordinary duel between event favourites Black Jack 100 and Lucky.
After a challenging start on the Tuesday in 18 knot winds, these two Maxi yachts put on a show throughout the 500 nautical miles through to Thursday 22nd August when the 100-foot Black Jack 100 helmed by Yacht Club de Monaco member Tristan Le Brun claimed line honours, crossing the finish line first after 1 day 20 hours 34 minutes 22 seconds of racing. A worthy win for the former Esimit Europa 2 that set a new record, nine years after smashing the record in 2015 with a course time that remained unbeaten till now.
Changement de nom mais toujours cette faim de podium pour ce voilier qui, depuis sa mise à l’eau, n’a fait qu’allonger son palmarès. « Il s’agissait de ma première régate avec des conditions merveilleuses, qui s’est conclue par une victoire avec un record : que pourrais-je souhaiter de plus » commente Remon Vos, son nouvel armateur. Une performance qui est le résultat d’une belle bataille avec la concurrence estime Tristan Le Brun « Lucky nous a rendu la course difficile » note le barreur, « on a donc opté pour une stratégie pour ne jamais perdre de distance sur lui, ne pas lui laisser une opportunité de s’échapper. Pour nous, ce résultat est un honneur, un challenge et une partie d’une réussite puisque l’on s’est fixé de battre le plus grand nombre de records possibles détenus par Esimit ».
In the provisional standings, the Italians aboard Petite Terrible – Adra Ferries secure second place, just ahead of Samuel Poons on Charisma V. Pierrik Devic (Raph Seven Yacht) and Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot), both representing the Yacht Club de Monaco, remain solidly positioned at the rear of the leading pack in 4th and 5th place, respectively.
In the Corinthian category, the Swiss team on Jerry maintained their offensive grip and comfortably claimed first place ahead of the Irish team on Wildcard and the crew of Juliette. Monaco’s Cesare Gabasio on TinnJ70 ranks 4th and retains the lead in the Corinthian championship after 14 races. In the provisional overall championship standings, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) remains at the top of the leaderboard.
Nine years after being the fastest in Palermo-Montecarlo history, Black Jack 100 has achieved a double by winning the event in real time and setting a new record. A double celebration for Tristan Le brun as they lifted high the Giuseppe Tasca D’Almerita Trophy for the winner in real time. The men on Be Wild won the Angelo Randazzo Trophy for winning the event in corrected time.
All eyes in the sailing world now turn to the 37th America’s Cup being held in Barcelona where the Preliminary Regatta (and Louis Vuitton Cup) started Thursday. While Circolo della Vela Sicilia will be involved with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Yacht Club de Monaco sees two of its members taking part: Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Ineos Britannia) and Matteo de Nora (Emirates Team New Zealand).
