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.
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.
Last big race of the 2023 season for Yacht Club de Monaco
As every year, Yacht Club de Monaco closes the summer racing season with the Grimaldi Trophy organised by Yacht Club Sanremo with a stage in the Principality.
Eighth win in the bag!
Smeralda 888 International Championship finale – 20-22 October 2023
Eighth win in the bag!
Sunday 22nd October 2023. The 2023 season has just ended for this Gentlemen racing fleet. Under its President Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles the Smeralda 888 class has gone from strength to strength to become a must on the calendar. Saint-Tropez, Alassio, Porto Cervo, Calvi, Monaco and now Barcelona comprise the Mediterranean circuit. This year saw 17 teams in competition, a record that shows the class really has the wind in its sails.
Unbeatable
There are always many contenders in the race for first place in the Smeralda 888 International Championship. Some manage to occupy top stops more than others like the men on Vamos mi Amor helmed by Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles. A 4th place in the finale in Monaco this weekend was enough for this gentleman to win the 2023 season, adding to an extraordinary record as it is his eighth championship title of his Smeralda 888 career.