Packed programme of festivities to celebrate Yacht Club de Monaco’s 70th anniversary
Monaco Optimist Team Race (11-15 January) honours young sailors
Tuesday 10th January 2023 – January kicks off a busy events programme for 2023, as Yacht Club de Monaco celebrates 70 years since it was set up by Prince Rainier III. Presided since 1984 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, this private club continues to honour its public service remit by organising world class events to promote the destination. Its agenda is more than worthy of its ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, initiated by YCM to position the Principality as a centre of excellence in this sector. High level sport, the environment, luxury yachting and maritime heritage will therefore be taking centre stage throughout this anniversary year.
13th Monaco Optimist Team Race (11-15 January ): youth opens the ball
Festivities kick off tomorrow, 11th January, with the 13th Monaco Optimist Team Race gathering the international elite in this discipline with 64 under-14 sailors representing 16 nations won over by this unique event. The format is unusual for an Optimist regatta, a match race being like a duel on water between teams of four as opposed to a fleet race of individuals. The result is 120 races in the knock-out rounds leading up to the finals and requiring finely tuned skills, tactics and above all teamwork. In the run up to the contest to hone their race techniques, teams are already on site to take part in an International Clinic (9-11 January 2023) supervised by Chris Atkins.
Spotlight on one designs with 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series (2-5 February) and 39th Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse (2-5 March)
The best J/70 teams, who have established their training base in the Principality, meet again this month for Act III of the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas, which has become a fixture on the calendar for international teams. Races are set to be tight for the fleet, currently led by YCM’s Ludovico Fassitelli on Junda followed by Graeme Peterson (Moonlight II) and Stefano Roberti (Piccinina), also from YCM.
The Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series season culminates for the J/70s at the fourth and final act held on the same weekend as the 39th Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse (2-5 March) that will gather the Smeralda 888, Longtze Premier and RS 21 classes. Launched in 1985 at the instigation of YCM President HSH Prince Albert II, prizes being technical sailing garments from SLAM, it is the largest European meeting of one design boats in the Mediterranean.
Monaco Ocean Week (20-26 March): yachting component run by Yacht Club de Monaco
During Monaco Ocean Week, organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Oceanographic Institute and the Scientific Centre of Monaco, YCM is responsible for the yachting component of this week focused on protecting the oceans. On Thursday 23rd March at the YCM there will be four events, starting with the 12th Environmental Symposium dedicated to the 10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge on the theme ‘Encouraging the Future for a more Sustainable Yachting’. This highlight precedes the 27th Captains’ Forum that brings owners, captains and superyacht industry leaders together, the theme this time will be ‘Superyacht Commitment: Management, Leadership & Mentoring ‘.
After the success of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous (next one at YCM, 24-25 September 2023), M3 (Monaco Marina Management) is launching the first Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous, a networking event that continues on Friday 24th March culminating in the Smart Innovative Yacht Awards. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Credit Suisse and innovation for a sustainable economy specialists, Blumorpho, it facilitates exchanges between the whole ecosystem to make it more virtuous and promotes innovations that could bring about major changes to the industry.
Thursday 23rd March concludes with the 3rd YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts. Organised under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II since 2019, it has been recognising owners who stand out for their commitments to protect the marine environment, be it in the design of their yacht or its navigation. Awarded by a Jury of professionals, there are several prizes: Technology & Innovation, Mediation & Science, Adventure & Environmental Ethics. The awards are an opportunity to highlight those men and women who, as true explorers of the future, perpetuate the Art de Vivre la Mer philosophy which is at the heart of the Club’s core values.
10th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (3-8 July) to celebrate anniversary in style
Helping build tomorrow’s future is a key priority for YCM, an ambition it pursues through the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for alternative energy sources. For the last ten years, this event has been bringing young engineers from technical colleges and universities the world over into contact with yachting industry players.
The goal is to stimulate their creativity by getting them to design eco-responsible alternative propulsion systems, with everyone sharing information on open source. A host of new features marks this 10th edition, in partnership with Aqua superPower, including the first ever E-Boat Rally of electric boats already on the market, enabling a record number of these boats to show the public what a cleaner future could look like. Also new is a Mentoring Program to encourage industry professionals to support students and which complements the Job Forum that assists budding engineers to get internships or even their first job.
Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe (13-16 September): classic yachts call into Monaco
As a Club that’s very attached to its sailing heritage, YCM will be organising the 16th Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe. This unique biennial offers a journey through time, synonymous with the celebrated Art de Vivre le Mer lifestyle at sea. For the public it’s an opportunity to see some of the world’s most prestigious classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts and vintage motorboats that create such a spectacle in the YCM Marina. This edition also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, who founded YCM in 1953 and was so passionate about the sea and boats. It’s a heritage YCM has been perpetuating with this biennial meeting since 1994 and stands out for those who love the classics as it celebrates both sailing and motor boats.
In pursuing a policy focused on high-level competition and protecting the environment, YCM promotes the Principality and its influence in the sector through the ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach.
Imperial Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act II | 9-11 December 2022
Sunday 11th December 2022. The last day of racing ended in style for the J/70 fleet competing in Act II of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series. This circuit of monthly regattas (November to March) celebrates its 10th anniversary this season and continues to attract international teams keen to race against the Monegasques.
Speed and technique a winning combo
The locals on the circuit were determined to make it a full house, keeping the visiting teams out of the top five thanks to their consistency, speed and technique. Another two races were completed today in a pleasant 10-knot south-southwest breeze, with the YCM teams gradually widening the gap between them and the competition.
Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) consolidated his results from yesterday, winning three of the four races completed to take 1st place, ahead of Pierrik Devic (Leonteq), current World Vice-Champion of this class, with Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda) completing the podium.
The fleet meets again in the new year for Act III (2-5 February 2023) before the grand finale of Act IV which is held at the 39th Primo Cup – Credit Suisse (2-5 March 2023).
Consistency pays off
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act II | 9-11 December 2022
Saturday 10th December 2022. J/70 sailors descended again on the Principality for Act II of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas from November to March. Before taking a break for Christmas, around 30 crews were out today in Monaco braving a fresh breeze which in no way dampened their enthusiasm.
G-Spot stuns
The course was set between the Rocher and Cap Martin to the east for the fleet’s two races in a 5-10 knot easterly, with Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) of Yacht Club de Monaco getting off to a flying start with back-to-back wins.
Already clearly in front with the first race, the YCM member doubled his lead with a second victory in the final race of the day. The win puts him eight points ahead in the provisional ranking this evening of Pierrik Devic (Leonteq), World Vice-Champion of this class, followed by Samuel Poons on Charisma.
The foreign teams did not succeed today in upsetting the ranking, with the first finishing 6th. In the Corinthian category (amateurs), the Swiss dominate the top three led by Lukas Looser’s Jacqueline.
Masters at home
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act I 3-6 November 2022
Sunday 6th November 2022. With eight races in three days, exceptional conditions and impeccable organisation, Act 1 of the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco from November to March, served up a dream menu.
Commanding start
The regatta got off to a challenging start on the Friday with a brisk 20-25 knot southwesterly throwing everyone in at the deep end, a day relished by the Monaco teams who bagged the top five places on this first day. Led by YCM’s Graeme Peterson (Moonlight II) in determined style, the rest of the fleet recovered momentum the next day. With winds forecast for the same direction but more moderate, conditions were perfect on the second day. In 10-15 knots and bright sunshine, the race committee made the most of it to launch four races that saw Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda) move into first place, closely followed by Stefano Roberti (Piccinina), both from YCM. Another three races on the final day, Sunday, did not alter the ranking, prolonging the pleasure for the Monegasques.
Junda takes control
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act I 3-6 November 2022
Saturday 5th November 2022. Same race area but different conditions for the second day of this first act of the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Series, with the same south-westerly but more moderate. A great opportunity for the 28 teams to make a mark with four back to back races completed.
Excellence all round
It was a picture postcard day in the Mediterranean with intense blue skies, no troublesome chop and a nice 8-10 knot breeze. Ideal conditions to fine tune clean controlled starts, mark roundings and tacks with everyone relishing a great day of racing.
Monegasque domination
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act I | 3-6 November 2022
Friday 4th November 2022. Just a couple of weeks after the J/70 World Championship, organised for the first time by Yacht Club de Monaco in October, the show continues in Monaco’s bay. The class was back out racing today for Act 1 of the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series which has gathered around 30 teams from six nations. This series of monthly regattas from November to March has become a tradition for many international teams as they prepare for the next season.
Swiss on top of the Worlds
J/70 World Championship | 14-22 October 2022
Saturday 22nd October 2022. Twenty-three nations, 90 boats, 400 sailors and a field worthy of the wildest dreams heralded the J/70 World Championship, organised for the first time by Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with the J/70 International Class.
“It was exceptional and an honour to welcome all these champions. All the eyes of the sailing world were riveted on our Principality,” said Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.
As part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, YCM President, came on Friday to greet everyone involved in the organisation including some 50 volunteers who comprise the Flotte des Commissaires, the international Race Committee, the Jury members and all the contestants.
The Championship also benefited from the support of the Monegasque Sailing Federation, FxPro, Xerjoff, Sebago and technical sports clothing brand Slam which supplied garments for all crew on the podium. Tommaso Chieffi, ambassador for the Italian brand, came to watch the events: “We often take the America’s Cup regattas as an example, but today I have witnessed exchanges of such quality both on the water and ashore, such a spirit of sportsmanship. Real class!”.
Unusual exchanges
J/70 World Championship | 14-22 October 2022
Friday 21st October 2022. Shortly after the skippers briefing, excitement mounted on Quai Louis II in front of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s building. For while sailors were going about their business, a special guest arrived to greet competitors of the J/70 World Championship, the first organised by Yacht Club de Monaco. YCM President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was very keen to come and greet all those involved.
Celebrating commitment
Wearing the Worlds colours, the Sovereign started his visit by greeting members of the jury and the many volunteers who ensure the level of excellence at the event. There were photos and handshakes all round with a special greeting for Jean Lorenzi, oldest member in the Club’s Flotte des Commissaires.
Men and ambitions
J/70 World Championship | 14-22 October 2022
Thursday 20th October 2022. The date is historic for Yacht Club de Monaco which is organising the J/70 World Championship for the first time. Built in 2012, this Alan Johnstone designed class has shot up the popularity polls of one designs appealing to the biggest names in sailing. Proof if it were needed is in the presence of 90 teams with at least 60 big names among them. The event is also an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the commitment of all those who make it possible to organise such a big regatta.
Behind the scenes
There are nearly a hundred of them, members of YCM staff, the jury and safety, and the Flotte des Commissaires (stewards et al), many of them YCM volunteers, lifeblood of the Club. All highly professional, they make a massive contribution to the organisation, ensuring a quality reception and excellence at the Club’s many regattas, positioning it as a reference in sports events.
Sporting and Environmental Commitment
J/70 World Championship
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Accustomed to hosting the world’s most prestigious one-design sailing events, the Yacht Club de Monaco once again takes the helm of one of the most highly anticipated regattas in the sailing world. By organizing the J/70 World Championship for the first time, the Y.C.M. has drawn a stellar lineup of competitors, all familiar with the podium. The fleet is composed of top-tier helmsmen, tacticians, and sailors from a wide range of renowned backgrounds.
This event stands out not only for attracting the best sailors in the sport but also for its commitment to marine conservation initiatives. Here, excellence is both sporting and environmental.
Elite Competition: The Hallmark of the Monaco Edition
Among the big names competing in the Principality is Chris Larson (Smokeshow), a sailor with an impressive résumé, including ten world championship titles (Farr 40, Melges 24, Melges 32, Swan 45, Mumm 30, J/24, J/22) and multiple campaigns in the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.
“Our goal is to perform at sea, to stay consistent and focused. We are all here to deliver our best,” admits Larson, one of the many top American sailors present. “We’ve been preparing for this event for eight months with our crew. We have the right training, the right sailors, and the right boat… We’re here for one thing only,” he concludes, rediscovering Monaco’s waters after competing there years ago in the J/24 class.
The atmosphere on the docks reflects a spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect. For Pietro Sibello (Notaro), a 49er class veteran and mainsail trimmer for Luna Rossa, now a coach and consultant for Alinghi, this world championship promises to be intense:
“This event will be challenging, given the level of competition. We will need patience. The objective remains the same every time we race: to win. We know it won’t be easy, but we’ll give everything we’ve got.”