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.

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.”