The fleet had to be patient before racing could get underway. The first day was cancelled due to rough seas and strong winds, pushing all races to the following day. In the end there were just three races.
Arthur Piekarek and Evan Calabuig quickly found their rhythm, with the pair winning one race. Arthur Piekarek finished 7th in the IBSA Regatta, just shy of the top five.
Further down the ranking, the stakes were different for Evan Janot and Volodimyr Zakharchenko. The two young YCM sailors were experiencing the Antibes regatta for the first time. They finished their first three races at a competition in a well-earned 39th place.
Open to 12-17 year olds, the IBSA Regatta is based on a simple principle that sees youngsters with disabilities racing together with able-bodied young people in the same crew. The event is now recognised as a Grade 4 competition, with an international status that attracts participants from different countries and diverse backgrounds.
The Hansa 303 was chosen to promote this approach, as it is designed to be stable, safe and accessible, without losing any of its sporty boat credentials. With two people on board, communication and division of roles is therefore key, hence why in Antibes, the two Yacht Club de Monaco crews had different experiences: a 7th-place finish, including a race win, for Arthur Piekarek and Evan Calabuig, and a first taste of competitive racing for Evan Janot and Volodimyr Zakharchenko.
Inclusive sailing is set to take centre stage again very soon with the upcoming annual Navicap Challenge-Elena Sivoldaeva Trophy organised by YCM 4-6 December 2026.
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