Victory for Beda!

The meeting had the air of a scaled-up warm-up in the run up to the 37th Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse for the Smeralda 888 teams who kept up the pace this weekend at their Match Racing event. It has been ten years since the fleet competed in this format, similar to that of the America’s Cup. In a game of one-on-one duels, Timofey Sukhotin (Beda), current champion of this class, lifted the cup. Francesco Vauban and his crew on Botta Dritta clinched 2nd, followed by Andréa Startari (Gorilla Gang). A great warm-up before the Primo Cup on 5-7 March.

Two Monaco teams on the podium

Twenty-three teams came together for Act 2 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series. The Monegasques on G-spot, led by YCM member Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, lifted the cup followed by another member, Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda-Banca del Sempione), the final day turning the tide in what has been a thrilling regatta.

Monaco shines at home

The 15/25 knot easterly of the first two days gave way to a 12 knot westerly-southwesterly on Sunday, superb conditions that took the total number of races to nine. But doubts remained up to the last race as to who in the top trio would clinch the cup.

In the end, it was Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-spot) who triumphed, three points ahead of Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda-Banca del Sempione). These two Monaco teams were the only ones really able to dislodge the talented Claudia Rossi and her men on Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries, the European Champions who won Act 1 of this Winter Series. All three teams impressed from start to finish by the control they had of their boats, their fluid manoeuvres and ability to mark opponents without ever letting go. YCM excelled this weekend with five teams in the top ten including Cesare Gabasio (Tinnj70) who finished 2nd in the Corinthian (amateur) category, just behind the Swiss on Rhubarbe. At the end of these first two acts, Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries tops the ranking ahead of G-spot then Junda-Banca del Sempione.

Keeping up the pace

The easterly wind kept blowing for the second day of racing, with a steady 18 knots filling in to 25, giving the sailors a real blast in the midst of the swell. Long downwind surfs, fast manoeuvres round the marks with hulls heeled over upwind, there was no rest for the fleet at this mid-point in the second act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series.
Sweet revenge

The die is cast

Act 2 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series got off to a strong start today for the 23 teams in competition, particularly the Monegasque formations which this evening occupy the top four places in the provisional ranking.

All set for second round

They are on the attack, feet on the ground ready to tackle Act 2 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series from 5-7 February. A second act which will host 20+ teams including the formidable Italians on Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries and Alice. Now in its eighth season, the Series continues to attract top level racers all driven by the same passion.

Victory for the lady

For the first regatta of the year in Monaco waters, the result was indisputable. After three days of competition, Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series was won by Claudia Rossi on Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries, the current J/70 European Champion and her crew outclassing the competition.

Faultless performance

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.

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.