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.
New blood for new generation
The ILCA competition team in the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Sports Section did very well at the National Autumn Cup in Hyères, a major meeting for young sailors. Six races were completed for the 128-strong ILCA 6 fleet by contestants from France, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Germany, India, Guatemala, Ukraine and Monaco.
ClubSwan 28: new star on the circuit
The Swan Sardinia Challenge concluded in Villasimius, Sardinia. This international event hosted the final leg of the Nations League 2024 of the ClubSwan Racing One Design circuit that showcased the brand new ClubSwan 28. Ideal weather conditions saw eight races completed, with a 10-14 knot easterly on the last day.
Yacht Club de Monaco was well represented in this stage by the crew on Oocz, that included Federico Michetti, clinching 5th place in the overall ranking.
Malizia-Seaexplorer competing in Vendée Globe under Monaco flag
40 sailors will set out from Les Sables-d’Olonne on the 10th Vendée Globe. Among them will be the German Boris Herrmann, member of Yacht Club de Monaco. He is participating in this epic 24,300 nautical mile (45,000km) solo, non-stop round-the-world without assistance race, aboard the Monaco-flagged IMOCA Malizia-Seaexplorer.
Two podiums for YCM
The Swan One Design Worlds ended in spectacular fashion in Palma de Mallorca with World Champions crowned in three ClubSwan Racing classes. Right to the end, the outcome of this Nations League remained uncertain. Yacht Club de Monaco members did themselves proud, particularly in the ClubSwan 50 where one small point separated YCM’s Graeme and Raquel Peterson (Moonlight) from victory. In the event they took the silver medal after six races. Last year’s winner Leonardo Ferragamo’s Cuordileone was 3rd.