Trophée Virginie Hériot

The Virginie Hériot Trophy got underway today in a light easterly and flat sea for the 21 all-female teams competing on J/70s for this third edition.

 

A promising start

This morning teams drew lots for their boats to ensure fairness. With seven J/70s on the water, a well-organised rotation system saw them taking turns to compete and then wait their turn on tenders in a seamless process that lasted all day.

Watching the competition was not enough today as with heads craning all eyes were on the sea to anticipate the gusts and sky of intermittent bursts of sunshine between the clouds, so vital when making those all-important tactical decisions. During three races sailed by three groups, trends are emerging but it’s clear there is everything to play for over the next couple of days. This evening the Brits from Royal Thames Yacht Club have the advantage. Hard on their heels, equal on points is the American Team Sound Sisters from MudRatz, then the German Boddensprotten from Regatta Verein Greifswald.

 

Monaco team one to watch

One to watch is the Monaco boat helmed by Anne Rodelato, alongside double Olympic 470 medallist in Rio and London, Saskia Clark, Maycka Delgado, Kathrin Hoyos and Anne Schouten. All are members of YCM’s women sailors’ collective Pink Wave and keen to shine at home.

Tensions set to rise on Saturday

With the end of this qualifying phase, teams will be divided into two groups, the best in the Gold group and the others in the Silver, all aiming to top that all important leaderboard. Some tight duels are anticipated for Saturday, all aiming high to be in a position to win their group on Sunday.

With nine nations represented and a meticulously organised format, this third edition is confirming its status as a must-do regatta for international women’s sailing. Crews meet tomorrow at 11.00am.

 

Provisional programme (subject to weather conditions)

Saturday 15 March: 11:00: 1st warning signal

Sunday 16 March: 11:00: 1st warning signal

15:30: Last warning signal possible – After the races: prize-giving

 

Copyright-free photos and video footage available on request

Press contacts: Yacht Club de Monaco – Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: presse@ycm.org