11th Monaco Optimist Team Race 

 

They came with the firm intention of winning the cup and are well on their way to doing just that if they hold their nerve. The American team has hardly put a foot wrong in this 11th Monaco Optimist Team Race organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of FxPro, Eventica, Fon, clothing supplier SLAM and boatyard Erplast.

 

 

In wiping out most of its opponents with 12 wins and only two defeats, the formation from across the Atlantic is laying down solid foundations for success. Far from being exultant, the provisional leaders in the ranking are keeping a close eye on the competition clinging to their transom. Still lying in 2nd are the Swedes from KSSS followed closely by the Monegasques who have moved up the board.

 

The Ukrainians from the Odessa Black Sea Yacht Club are also still in contention at the foot of this ephemeral podium. They beat the Americans at the end of one of the best matches of the day which saw all eight contestants staying in contact to the bitter end. Applauded by Russia’s Kaliningrad Yacht Club sailors, the Ukrainian team succeeded in toppling those who no-one seems to have been able to upset since the start of this event.

 

 

Again conditions remained light but steady with a 5-6 knot north shifting to a westerly on a flat sea. That allowed 131 matches to be played out in total by the 20 teams. All 80 sailors are set for the final day of this qualifying round-robin tomorrow, determined to pull off their best performances in line with their ambitions.

 

Programme (subject to change):

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

3.15pm            Last warning signal

5.00pm:           Prize-giving