Christmas Regatta: a warm up for the YCM teams

Some 30 boats turned out in Monaco’s bay for the Christmas Regatta that replaced the first act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, postponed due to the health situation, but which served as a warm-up for the Monaco teams. Alongside the J/70 and Smeralda 888 classes were Optimists, Lasers and Nacra 15s, all taking full advantage of the course set by the Race Committee.

Christmas Regatta: rehearsal for locals

Due to the health crisis and to ensure a level playing field for the many international teams who descend on the Principality every year for the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, the organisers have decided to postpone Act 1, initially scheduled for December, and offer a training regatta for local teams. A dress rehearsal, it’s a great opportunity to warm up before the Winter Series starts in earnest next year with the first meeting set for 14-17 January 2021, followed by Act 2 from 4-7 February and culminating in the 37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse (4-7 March 2021).

Smeralda 888 gear up for next season

The Smeralda 888 crews are already looking ahead to 2021 and have a provisional schedule drawn up. The annual Championship comprises six events, starting with the 37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse (4-7 March 2021), a big one design meeting. The fleet will then head to Saint-Tropez, Alassio (Italy), Calvi (Corsica) and Porto Cervo (Sardinia) before the grand finale mid-October in Monaco.

Finale Smeralda 888, last stage of Smeralda 888 International Championship 2020

A nail-biting final stage of the Smeralda 888 International Championship took place this weekend in the bay of Monaco (8-11 October 2020).

The battle between nine teams, delighted to be out on the water competing in Monaco for the Finale Smeralda, was intense throughout the weekend.
Lying 6th in the provisional ranking on Saturday evening, YCM member Timofey Sukhotin took to heart the motto Everything is possible that adorns his 8.88m one design to pull off an inspired performance on a day of variable weather conditions in a 5 to 15 knot westerly. His determination won three of the four races completed to take 2nd in the final ranking for the weekend just behind Botta Dritta led by the young Francesco Vauban.

Time for the Environment

Initiated in 1974 by the United Nations, World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June. The aim is to highlight support for actions taken to protect and improve the environment, a priority to which the Yacht Club de Monaco contributes with various initiatives. Having designed its new Clubhouse in compliance with HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) green building standards, YCM has since achieved ISO 14001 and recently the Egeo certificate issued by electricity/gas company, SMEG, confirming that all electricity used in the Club is generated by renewable sources. This gives it access to the e+ label benefits, governed by a “positive energy” Charter that references efficiency contributions by the sun, wind and water. The measure is fully in line with targets set by the Principality’s Energy Climate Plan.

A 7th edition reinvented

It may have been forced to change format for the first time since its launch in 2014, but this summer’s Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge will go ahead – online – as exchanges on Open Source between participants is one of the building blocks on which this event focused on innovative propulsion systems has been built.

Yacht Life Cycle Analysis

An annual gathering for the yachting industry, the ‘La Belle Classe Superyachts’ Business Symposium, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco as a dinner-debate, is an opportunity to analyse developments, challenges and problems in the sector but also for professionals and owners to meet at an evening that is unique. “It is always a pleasure to welcome those involved in the yachting chain for this event which celebrates its 12th edition this evening,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, YCM General Secretary.

Leaders domination at season opener

The Primo-Cup Trophée Credit Suisse is one of those classic winter events that keep up with tradition while always adding something new. A breath of fresh air for this 36th edition which delighted Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri: “Alongside loyal regulars we welcomed two classes new to the event, L30 and Onefly. Every year, the Primo kicks off the season in the Mediterranean and we always aim for something new.”

War of nerves

Finesse at the helm and total control of manoeuvres were the order of the day for this Saturday of the Primo-Cup Trophée Credit Suisse, with one race completed in a 5-knot easterly that required concentration and patience from the 450 sailors.

Changes in the top threes

While some lost valuable points, others managed to go up the provisional ranking.

In the J/70s, the Russians on Elf held their nerve to consolidate their lead, 14 points clear of the team on Cer Aprotec – Ville de Genève. The Americans on CYC Seattle paid the price for their 26th place to drop down the ranking, while the YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spottino) pulled off a well-earned 2nd to slip into the top three.

High flying spectacle

This will be a day to remember for the 450 sailors competing in the 36th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse. “It’s exceptional to have a hundred boats in February,” says a delighted Bernard d’Alessandri, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s General Secretary. “Coming to the Primo Cup has become a reflex for crews from all over the world.” And indeed, there are nearly 20 nations out there on the race area.
s like a postcard, with beautiful conditions: a steady 10-15 knot south-westerly on a flat sea in brilliant sunshine which saw three fiercely fought races completed for the whole fleet.