Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act III

6-9 February 2025

 

Sunday, 9 February 2025. Act III of the 12th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, 6-9 February, lived up to the reputation of this essential winter event organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, with three days of intense races, hard-fought duels and twists and turns at every mark ensuring a spectacular show. With the season’s finish line approaching, tensions were high, as every tack and gybe had the potential to change everything. While the Monaco teams proved their dominance, the international fleet, hungry for success, were out to spoil the party.

 

Piccinina Master of Monaco Waters

In the highly competitive J/70 class, Stefano Roberti (Piccinina), with the young Antoine Arnoult from YCM’s Sports Section onboard, showcased his expertise. Leading after two acts, he held his nerve against tough competition, handling the conditions with finesse which was no easy feat. Chasing him were Carlo Vroon (Charisma V), Pierrik Devic (Raph Yacht Seven) and Denis Infante (Euro-Voiles), all seizing every gust to challenge the leader. Races were tight with slim margins, but Stefano Roberti prevailed, proving he is a force to be reckoned with in the grand finale (6-9 March) that is certain to be a thrill to watch..

Three days saw six races completed in widely varying conditions, from an east-northeasterly on the Friday, south-southwesterly on Sunday and a challenging 25 knots on Saturday.

Corinthian and Overall rankings

In the Corinthian category, Denis Infante (Euro-Voiles) topped the leaderboard followed by Harry Twomey (Wildcard) and Cesare Gabastio (TinnJ70), a YCM member. This trio distinguished themselves in a highly competitive championship where each race was a real test.

In the provisional overall standings, Piccinina maintains its overall lead after Act III, but the gaps are closing ensuring the final stage will be the decider.

Warm-Up for Clubswan 28 and Cape 31

But while the J/70s may have stolen the limelight, the ClubSwan 28 and Cape 31 also put in some great performances. More than just a rehearsal, this stage proved a real test before the winter season’s major event, the 41st Primo Cup-Trophée UBS (6-9 March 2025). Crews had a great opportunity to fine-tune trimming and honing tactics, proving they will be formidable opponents in the next few weeks.

International Fleet upsetting the favourites

A cosmopolitan fleet lit up the stage in Monaco, with competitors from Switzerland, Hungary, Sweden, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy eager to shake up the status quo. They did not travel in vain with some pulling off surprise results to reach the top rankings. No hesitations, no calculations, just the drive to win, repeatedly.

 

Final Stage: The Season Climax!

 

The fourth and final stage of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series is set to be a major highlight of the season. It takes place at the 41st Primo Cup-Trophée UBS (6-9 March 2025), a pinnacle of one design racing in the Mediterranean with six classes competing this year: J/70, Smeralda888, Cape31, ClubSwan28, Longzte Premier and RS21. With over 90 boats and more than 450 sailors in the YCM Marina, every year this iconic gathering attracts top international crews and promises a nail-biting finale where every point will count.

Press contacts: Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: presse@ycm.org