Americans on route for third victory

What a day it’s been for contestants in the Monaco Optimist Team Race who gave their all in a brisk 10-knot easterly breeze with back to back races until darkness fell to advance in the round robin phase. A total of 57 match races were held here in Monaco today, Saturday.
American class.

Transmission a flagship for Yacht Club de Monaco

An international regatta, the Monaco Optimist Team Race attracts young sailors from all walks of life. Dedicated to the team racing elite in this class, the event is fully in line with the ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach underpinning the Club’s international ambitions. Under its public service remit, YCM plays an important role in promoting the Principality and pursuing the twin goals of education and sport.

Monaco Optimist Team Race: values without borders

Its original format of teams of four Optimists puts the emphasis on techniques, tactics and a spirit of solidarity, as it requires these young people to make split second tactical decisions that can radically impact their team’s results. At the end of day two and after 49 encounters, the final podium is starting to take shape, as the Croats and Americans prove their expertise in the discipline. With two matches won against Ireland and Switzerland, the Monegasque team is in the middle ranking.

20 matches completed on first day

Match races for the 3rd Monaco Optimist Team Race look set to be hotly disputed judging by today, as the cream of the crop of young sailors in this discipline took to the water. The match race format calls for teamwork, techniques and peerless knowledge of match racing rules and tactics to succeed. An exercise these young teams pulled off today with no trouble.

In the thick of it

In a light 3 to 6 knot westerly, the 64 sailors in their teams of four enjoyed a succession of races at the foot of the Rocher this afternoon. A total of 20 match races were completed. With each lasting just 8 to 10 minutes, contestants have to be on the ball right from the start.

Of note is the domination by the Swedes, with KSSS (The Royal Swedish Yacht Club) winning three matches in a row leaving no-one in any doubt that they mean business. But the regatta is far from over for the Swedes who have to beware of the consistency of the Maltese and Americans, who are in the Principality equally determined to be at the top of the leaderboard. The fact it is such a level playing field in team terms points to a tough competition here in Monaco.

Tomorrow is another day for the 16 teams who meet at 10.00am for the first encounter.

Kicks off on Thursday

It all kicks off tomorrow for the 13th Monaco Optimist Team Race, an international meeting of the team racing elite in this class organised by Yacht Club de Monaco with support of FxPro, technical clothing supplier SLAM, Erplast boatyard and Peace and Sport. Sixteen nations and 64 under-14 sailors have descended on the Principality from as far away as Uruguay and USA for this event.

Level playing field

Inspired by the America’s Cup, match racing is a sport in its own right and it is this format that the Monaco Optimist Team Race has embraced. Teams of four from each nation go head to head with all the other teams in the round robin heats, at the end of which the best go through to the quarters and then semi-finals, before the grand finale on Sunday. A total of 16 teams representing 16 nations are competing from Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Great Britain, USA, Uruguay and Monaco. It adds up to 120 encounters in the bay of Monaco over the next few days.

In the thick of it already

To make sure they are on top of the rules for team racing, some teams attended the International Training Clinic (9-11 January) run by Chris Atkins. With 45 years of experience in the discipline, this three-time British National Team Race Champion, also coached Team Great Britain to a gold medal in the first ISAF Team Race World Championship. Chairman of Selectors for the GBR Olympic sailing team for Beijing (2008) and London (2012), he is an international World Sailing umpire and judge.

First races start tomorrow, Thursday 12th January at 11.00am.

Packed programme of festivities to celebrate Yacht Club de Monaco’s 70th anniversary

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.

Pierrik Devic and Noah Garcia rewarded | Sport and environment – YCM is committed on all fronts

HSH Prince Albert II, president of the Yacht Club de Monaco, HE Mr Pierre Dartout and the great YCM family gathered for the traditional Winter Cocktail to celebrate the arrival of new members and reward its top sailors.

Imperial Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio

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.

Consistency pays off

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.

Masters at home

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.

Junda takes control

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.