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.
Good start for the 40-strong fleet
Forty boats (12 nations) competing in the 18th Palermo-Montecarlo left the Gulf of Mondello at 12.50pm on Tuesday at the start of this 500 nautical mile offshore race to the Principality of Monaco, with an obligatory passage gate off Porto Cervo, Sardinia.
Never give up!
They had to be patient and wait until the final day of this penultimate regatta of the season. In light 7-8 knot conditions, the Race Committee managed two races. The first was won by Spindrift but Yacht Club de Monaco’s Esteban Garcia’s Realteam Sailing snatched victory in the second to win the TF35 Malcesine Cup.
Vladimir Prosikhin tops right out
History repeated itself for Vladimir Prosikhin on his Nika. The Yacht Club de Monaco member enjoyed winning a Melges 20 event in grand style as he clinched yet another victory, this time in Tuscany at Porto Ercole a full seven points ahead of the competition.
Marinas mobilise to progress the energy transition
In keeping with its public service remit, Yacht Club de Monaco under its President HSH Prince Albert II aims to position the Principality as a spearhead for responsible yachting in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Under the aegis of its collective Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting approach, YCM has become a platform of communication hosting international events like the Monaco Smart and Sustainable Marina Rendezvous; a unique in the world crossroads where financiers, politicians and innovators gather to progress concrete technological solutions applicable to marinas.
Black Jack takes line honours
It was 19:53:06 precisely when Peter Harbourg’s Black Jack crossed the finish of the Palermo-Montecarlo on Thursday 24th August winning the event in real time to take line honours.
Mathis Duplomb new French Vice-Champion
YCM’s young Mathis Duplomb left La Rochelle with a silver gong round his neck. After a week of intense racing, the Yacht Club de Monaco sailor kept up the pace against fierce competition.