Monaco Optimist Team Race | 11-15 January 2023

 

Thursday 12th January 2023 – Match races for the 3rd Monaco Optimist Team Race look set to be hotly disputed judging by today, as the cream of the crop of young sailors in this discipline took to the water. The match race format calls for teamwork, techniques and peerless knowledge of match racing rules and tactics to succeed. An exercise these young teams pulled off today with no trouble.

 

In the thick of it

In a light 3 to 6 knot westerly, the 64 sailors in their teams of four enjoyed a succession of races at the foot of the Rocher this afternoon. A total of 20 match races were completed. With each lasting just 8 to 10 minutes, contestants have to be on the ball right from the start.

Of note is the domination by the Swedes, with KSSS (The Royal Swedish Yacht Club) winning three matches in a row leaving no-one in any doubt that they mean business. But the regatta is far from over for the Swedes who have to beware of the consistency of the Maltese and Americans, who are in the Principality equally determined to be at the top of the leaderboard. The fact it is such a level playing field in team terms points to a tough competition here in Monaco.

 

Tomorrow is another day for the 16 teams who meet at 10.00am for the first encounter.