A collective experience for the next generation of sailors

For Lilia, who is from Corsica, the experience has been a powerful one. She has been sailing since she was very young and sees it as much more than a sport. “Sailing is a way to understand the sea, the wind, and the environment. It’s not just about being on a boat,” she explains. Team racing requires her to make an extra effort: “The hardest part is listening to each other and managing situations together. But it creates real bonds.” Océane Schroeder of the Yacht Club de Monaco shares the same energy; she is very familiar with the local racecourse. “When you sail alone, you’re on your own with your mistakes. In a team, you share. You help each other. I find it more enjoyable,” she says. On land, everyone is friendly. On the water, however, the mindset changes. ‘We’re focused; we’re in competition mode,’ she adds simply. Les concurrents de cette 14e Monaco Optimist Team Race ont donc trois jours pour régler les détails, affûter les automatismes et comprendre les subtilités d’un format exigeant. Le début des rencontres en mer est prévu dès jeudi 15 janvier à 11h00.