Malizia-Seaexplorer in the Southern Hemisphere
Vendée Globe
While part of the Vendée Globe fleet is still up against the vagaries of the Doldrums, the other half have crossed the Equator. While some are sailing to the rhythm of squalls and calm areas, others are making progress in the trade winds with one goal in mind, to head south as quickly as possible. The challenge? Not to miss the weather system off Rio de Janeiro that could propel them to Cape Hope. In this situation, speed is of the essence but so is the need to optimise your trajectory. At this stage skippers must decide whether to skirt the Fernando de Noronha archipelago from the west or the east.
Republican Guard calls into YCM
A backdrop worthy of the visit. On the sidelines of Monaco’s National Day on Tuesday 19th November, a detachment of 60 members of France’s Republican Guard, under the command of General Charles-Antoine Thomas and alongside Colonel Marie-Audrey Leheup, the first woman to head the Republican Guard’s cavalry regiment, called into Yacht Club de Monaco for the first time in its history.
The Supreme Commandant of Monaco’s Military Force, Colonel Tony Varo was present with ten representatives from the Prince of Monaco’s Palace Guards and the Fire Brigade. It was a highly symbolic meeting to forge a bridge between military traditions and the maritime spirit, in the presence of France’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Monaco, H.E. Mr Jean d’Haussonville.
A turning point for maritime innovation
Since its launch in 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has been demonstrating the effectiveness of propulsion and hull design-driven innovation. After a record participation in 2024 involving 40 universities, over 700 students from 25 countries, of which 450 were on site, the event is taking a new turn. Changes have been made while maintaining its mentoring program and Job Forum that forge bridges with the industry as they create a unique link between talented young people and professionals. “The goal is to continue promoting technological advances to build the future of recreational boating,” explains Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of Yacht Club de Monaco and a driving force behind the meeting. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event attracts support from major players including Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen. For students, it is a long-term project as they work all year round to a rigorous schedule to meet the criteria:
YCM flagship lifts trophy
The 2024 season has just ended for classic yachts with Yacht Club de Monaco’s flagship Tuiga topping the AFYT’s ranking in the Big Boats category ahead of Belle Aventure and Mariska. The prize will be awarded to the crew on Saturday 14 December at the Musée National de la Marine in Paris.
Monegasques reign at home
This weekend J/70 teams experienced all the Mediterranean’s moods, from surfing downwind with the waves and steady wind on Friday to light conditions the rest of the weekend. A challenge for all sailors who had to concentrate hard on trimming and adapt to every eventuality during the four races completed. As both an ideal warmup and intense introduction to the venue for newcomers, Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series promises an already memorable championship ahead.
Learning at high speed!
Cape 31 – European Championship – Sanremo
The Cape 31 European Championship held in Sanremo recently marked an important milestone for Yacht Club de Monaco member Loïc Pompée’s Terrible Joy. It wasn’t just about results but an opportunity for young sailors in the Club to find out why so many are passionate about sailing. For three days, a 20-25 knot westerly ensured an exciting contest for all.
Lined up against the best European teams, Terrible Joy managed a very worthy 16th place in the overall ranking, finishing 5th in the amateur category. A very promising result for a crew that got together just 15 days before the event. With races in the top ten out of the 11 completed, the team consolidated their skills and teamwork. The Monaco team comprised seven sailors, including one professional and two talented youngsters from Yacht Club de Monaco: Didier Schouten and Juan Casalone.
Vendée Globe: Cracking start for Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) leading the fleet
After sailing up the Port Olona channel to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, the 40 skippers crossed the start of the 10th Vendée Globe without a hitch. Among them, Boris Herrmann from Yacht Club de Monaco at the helm of the IMOCA Malizia-Seaexplorer is considered a serious contender, after his 5th place in the previous edition.
Monegasque domination in sight
It was a great start for the 20-plus teams competing in Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series. A 13-17 knot easterly saw three races completed in quick succession. No downtime for the teams who were delighted to be out racing at the foot of the Rocher. This evening the top three are neck and neck, separated by one point.
12th season on the blocks
Since 2013, the best J/70 teams have been descending on Monaco to line up on the start of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas organised by Yacht Club de Monaco. A winter tradition, these gatherings are an ideal opportunity for teams to continue racing at the highest level to prepare for next season.
The Vendée as if we were there!
To give members an opportunity to experience the adventures of Boris Herrmann, its skipper competing in the Vendée Globe aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer, Yacht Club de Monaco is organising regular discussions during the event. Race facts, weather conditions, ranking, strategic choices, a virtual regatta update, etc. are all on the agenda for these gatherings.
On Wednesday it was the turn of Will Harris, substitute skipper of the Monegasque IMOCA, to front the first meeting four days before the start. Speaking from Les Sables d’Olonne, he was more than happy to answer questions from around hundred Club members and young sailors from the Sports Section.
As part of the collective ‘Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting’ initiative to promote innovation in yachting and inspire young people to consider vocations in this field, the round the world race will be followed with passion by YCM sailors and Monegasque supporters of Team Malizia.