Over to the new recruits
Two weeks after Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, young sailors are following in their wake for the 5th Monaco Optimist Academy. The event continues to attract with some one hundred attending this year, proof of Yacht Club de Monaco’s rigorous and proactive policy to passing on a passion for sailing, as befits its collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach.
Real-time learning
The young generation were out in force at the 5th Monaco Optimist Academy. Enshrined in the Yacht Club de Monaco’s proactive sports policy and collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, this year’s event gathered 82 contestants from 16 clubs.
“This regatta is a big event and demonstrates YCM’s capacity to always offer events that are landmarks on sailors’ calendars, regardless of their age,” says YCM General Secretary, Bernard d’Alessandri.
Tuiga steals the show
The 2023 season has returned its verdict on classic sailing yachts and it’s Yacht Club de Monaco’s flagship Tuiga and her crew of committed members who top the AFYT ranking.
G-Spot remains untouchable
There was never any doubt as to the outcome of Act 1 of this season’s Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas that attracts international J/70 teams. Twenty-plus crews had made the trip. For the first time, the Smeralda 888 class took advantage of the autumnal conditions to maintain their rhythm with this opener of what looks set to be a particularly interesting season, culminating in the 40th Primo Cup-Trophée UBS (7-10 March 2024).
Sébastien Josse and Armel Le Cléac’h win Ultim prize
The 16th double-hander Transat Jacques Vabre ocean race from Le Havre to Martinique returned its verdict for the Ultim class with victory for Sébastien Josse and Armel Le Cléac’h. It took the Maxi 14 days 10 hours 14 minutes and 50 seconds to swallow up the 7,500 nautical miles.
A solid 4th for Alexander Ehlen
The fourth and final stage of the Engie Kite Tour just ended in Saint-Raphaël. A super windy event, orchestrated by the Fréjus multisport and leisure association (AMSLF) with support from the French Sailing Federation (FFVoile), ended the season in style with 14 Twin-Tip and directional board races, 12 in the wingfoil group and 10 in kitefoil.
Monegasques set the tempo
A brisk beautiful breeze gusting 30 knots ensured a great spectacle at sea put on by the 20-plus crews enjoying the first day of Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series.
Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco since 2013, this monthly regatta series is a great opportunity for international teams to drop anchor in the Principality to race throughout the winter and prepare for the upcoming season.
Malizia-Seaexplorer set to conquer the Atlantic
After days of uncertainty due to very difficult weather conditions, the IMOCA fleet finally left Paul Vatine basin to take the start of the 16th Transat Jacques Vabre. It was at 09:30 that Malizia-Seaexplorer, the latest addition to Team Malizia founded by Yacht Club de Monaco Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi, crossed the start of this double-handed race. Led by German skipper Boris Herrmann and co-skipper Will Harris, the 60-footer is on course to Fort-de-France in Martinique with 39 other IMOCAs. The six Ocean Fifty and 44 Class40 boats started last Sunday 29th October as planned with the five Ultims and had to stop in Lorient while Storm Ciarán went through. According to the race organisers it had been impossible to find a harbour for all the IMOCAs hence the delay in Le Havre.
11 seasons of passion
Since 2013, the best J/70 teams have enjoyed taking advantage of the Mediterranean mild winters to come and race in the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, monthly regattas that have become a tradition for many, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco. This weekend a fleet will gather for the new season. Note that the J/70 Monaco Class Association has one of the largest fleets in the Mediterranean with some 20 teams sailing all year round under the Club’s flag.
An eventful weekend
An autumnal fixture on the Mediterranean calendar, the Grimaldi Trophy always attracts a large fleet for the inshore race from Sanremo to the Principality of Monaco with a stopover in Ventimiglia. The loyalty of owners and crews were rewarded again with a 2023 vintage that was no exception to the rule with 50-plus boats turning out despite the rough weather conditions.