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.

Monegasque domination

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

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.
dor 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

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.

Men and ambitions

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.

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.”

Sailing world’s eyes riveted on Monaco

J/70 World Championship | 14-22 October 2022

Tuesday 11th October 2022. Official start today of the first J/70 World Championship to be organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, in partnership with the Monegasque Sailing Federation, FxPro, Xerjoff, Sebago and technical sports clothing brand Slam which is supplying garments for all crew members on the podium.

For the 2022 edition, more than 400 sailors from 23 nations and 90 boats will be on the race area. “All eyes are riveted on Monaco. I don’t think you can bring so many talented sailors together in the same place and at the same time. We are very proud to organise this meeting,” said YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. It’s been 46 years since the last Worlds in Monaco, that being in 1976 with the Vaurien class.

Cream of the crop

Sailors who have descended on the Principality have a track record as thick and solid as Monaco’s Rocher. Nearly half the competitors have already seen their names on trophies be it at the Olympics, America’s Cup or other one design circuits. Luis Bugallo, Marshall King, Ian Wilson, Peter Duncan, Jud Smith and Paul Ward, who’ve been crowned J/70 World Champions in recent years roam the quays. Luca Domenici, José María Torcida Seghers and Jonathan Calascione complete the class line-up with their European results.

Olympic stars are shining like Will Ryan, silver in Rio and gold in Tokyo in the 470, Saskia Clark, Olympic 470 Vice-Champion in London and gold in Rio, and Brazilian legend Torben Grael who has five Olympic medals to his name. There are around 20 sailors here who’ve had the honour of representing their country at the Olympics, testifying to the level of the event.