A strong start

All the conditions sailors dream of were there for a successful start to Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series: a 15-knot westerly and high level fleet!

Start of J/70 season

J/70 teams are all set to gather on Friday 15th January for Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, a series of monthly regattas instigated by Valentin Zavadnikov. For the start of its eighth season, around 20 boats will be out on the water.

Winter warm-up

Competitors have already had a chance to warm-up under race conditions in December at the Christmas Regatta won by Junda helmed by YCM member Ludovico Fassitelli. It was a meeting the sailor and his crew led from the front and who no doubt has his sights set on claiming another victory in this first act.

Winning at every level

Due to the health situation, the teams present at this first official meeting of the race season mainly comprise teams of locals.

Among the favourites, like Junda and G-Spottino, a peloton of outsiders are sure to upset the established order. The level of competition promises battles round the marks and some tense races. All conditions are being put in place to enable teams to prepare for the 37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, 4-7 March 2021.

Rendezvous Friday 15th January at midday for the warning signal of the first race.

Boris Herrmann approaching Cape Horn

After 56 days of racing, Boris Herrmann (Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco) is set to round Cape Horn for the fifth time in his career, but first time solo. The German skipper should pass this legendary point during Monday to Tuesday night.

Vendée Globe: Boris Herrmann and Jean Le Cam neck and neck

Charlie Dalin (Apivia) has regained the advantage early this morning, setting up a royal duel with Yannick Bestaven (Maître Coq IV), who has led the Vendée Globe for eight days.

Alexander Ehlen achieves goal

They had been waiting so long for this meeting and were not disappointed. The 55 contestants, representing 14 nations, put on a show in kiteboarding heaven at Playa de Las Burras in the Canaries at the Open Kitefoil European Championship.

Perseverance and consistency rewarded. Tribute paid to Seaexplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco

The traditional Winter Cocktail, which welcomes new members before the YCM Awards – Trophée Credit Suisse are presented, went ahead this year albeit remotely in compliance with the current health situation. Yacht Club de Monaco President, HSH the Sovereign Prince Albert II, rewarded sailors who proudly fly the Principality’s colours and have made a mark on the world’s race areas.

Christmas Regatta: a warm up for the YCM teams

Some 30 boats turned out in Monaco’s bay for the Christmas Regatta that replaced the first act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, postponed due to the health situation, but which served as a warm-up for the Monaco teams. Alongside the J/70 and Smeralda 888 classes were Optimists, Lasers and Nacra 15s, all taking full advantage of the course set by the Race Committee.

Christmas Regatta: rehearsal for locals

Due to the health crisis and to ensure a level playing field for the many international teams who descend on the Principality every year for the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, the organisers have decided to postpone Act 1, initially scheduled for December, and offer a training regatta for local teams. A dress rehearsal, it’s a great opportunity to warm up before the Winter Series starts in earnest next year with the first meeting set for 14-17 January 2021, followed by Act 2 from 4-7 February and culminating in the 37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse (4-7 March 2021).

Smeralda 888 gear up for next season

The Smeralda 888 crews are already looking ahead to 2021 and have a provisional schedule drawn up. The annual Championship comprises six events, starting with the 37th Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse (4-7 March 2021), a big one design meeting. The fleet will then head to Saint-Tropez, Alassio (Italy), Calvi (Corsica) and Porto Cervo (Sardinia) before the grand finale mid-October in Monaco.

Finale Smeralda 888, last stage of Smeralda 888 International Championship 2020

A nail-biting final stage of the Smeralda 888 International Championship took place this weekend in the bay of Monaco (8-11 October 2020).

The battle between nine teams, delighted to be out on the water competing in Monaco for the Finale Smeralda, was intense throughout the weekend.
Lying 6th in the provisional ranking on Saturday evening, YCM member Timofey Sukhotin took to heart the motto Everything is possible that adorns his 8.88m one design to pull off an inspired performance on a day of variable weather conditions in a 5 to 15 knot westerly. His determination won three of the four races completed to take 2nd in the final ranking for the weekend just behind Botta Dritta led by the young Francesco Vauban.