Training and passing on knowledge and passion to the next generation is at the heart of Yacht Club de Monaco’s Sports Section’s mission. To this end, 11 young Optimist sailors were at the 8th Coach Regatta in Marseille, organised by the YCPR and ASPTT Marseille. The event has become a reference for this type of regatta on the national and international scene and this year saw six nationalities represented by 84 contestants in the Minime (older group) and 56 in the younger Benjamin category.

Despite technically testing conditions in a light 2 to 6 knot breeze, the progress made by YCM’s sailors during training was plain to see during the three races completed in two days.

In the 84-strong Minime group which included the eight best Benjamins, Pietro Carlevaris finished an honourable 25th, and was ranked 2nd best Benjamin. Joséphine Dobbelaere was 49th, Océane Schroeder 66th, and Alexandra Santelli 75th.

In the Benjamin group, Victor Holst finished 20th just ahead of Jules Huon, 21st, and Louis Faivre in 23rd whose results included two races in the top ten. Mona Benchekroun was 29th while Sacha Mousny and Julian Lampert came 43rd and 50th respectively.

Designed to help young sailors progress, Coach Regattas follow a specific format as coaches play an active role on the water during racing.  Their goal is to guide their young charges in real time with advice on tactics and technique. They provide a unique opportunity to fast-track learning, fine-tune skills and build confidence.