In the thick of it

11^th Monaco Optimist Team Race 

 

For the 80 contestants competing in the 11^th Monaco Optimist Team Race this was the first day of the round robin qualifying phase. Conditions were almost spring-like with a steady 7-9 knot S-SW breeze allowing 56 matches to be completed, six encounters for each team.

 

It was an ideal environment for the 20 teams in competition who have to rely on their racing skills and team spirit to notch-up points. This original team race format puts them on an equal footing as every boat is identical.

 

 

No let up

With six wins out of six matches, the Americans were soon in the lead, emerging as the favourites against very tough competition. “We got to be wary of the Americans, they are super-good,” had predicted Noah Garcia from the Yacht Club de Monaco a few hours before the start. Hard on their heels are the Swedes from Kungl Svenska Segel Sällskapet, equal on points with the Finns from Helsingfors Segelklubb. The Monegasque team comprising Noah Garcia, Leonardo Bonelli, Mathis Duplomb and Matteo Asscher are currently lying 4^th in the provisional ranking.

 

Last year’s winners, the Turkey URLA Sailing Club had a difficult start to the regatta, totting up three defeats in a row this Thursday afternoon. The big surprise was the Chinese team who have come a long way since their first attempt in Monaco, remaining in contact with the rest of the competitors proving they cannot be ruled out.

 

From the starts to staying in contact, knowing the racing rules inside out and constantly controlling opponents, the proof was out there of a level that has only increased over the years. Close finishes were monitored live throughout the day thanks to Sailcup software which transmits information in real time. A world first!

 

Peace through sport

For the opening ceremony held just before races started, all participants gathered in the Meeting Room at the Yacht Club de Monaco. One by one each team was called up to the stage proudly carrying their nation’s flag (19 in total). It was also an opportunity to remind everyone that sport is a fantastic vehicle for peace and solidarity values. Everyone brandished White Cards, a sign of peace in the world, an initiative of the Peace and Sport organisation and MOTR partner. Chaired and founded by Joël Bouzou, it has become a key player at events demonstrating the positive impact of sport on society.

 

 

The second day of racing starts tomorrow at 10.00am.

MOTR programme (subject to change):

Friday 10th January	Saturday 11th January	Sunday 12th January
9.00am:            Briefing 10.00am:          First warning signal After racing:   Debriefing	9.00am:            Briefing 10.00am:          First warning signal After racing:   Debriefing	9.00am:            Briefing 10.00am:          First warning signal 3.15pm            Last warning signal 5.00pm:           Prize-giving