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.
He looked like the favourite and lived up to that reputation. Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda) clinched first place in the final ranking, with two race wins and leading pack positions for the five races completed over the three days. Behind the Italian YCM member came young Jérémie Moutout and his team (YCM Lokomotiv) in 2nd followed by Guillaume Charon (Kiss and Fly).
In the Smeralda fleet, one boat had that dream regatta of being in total control as points racked up with each race. Beda, helmed by Timofey Sukhotin, won all five races to take a well-deserved first prize. His team did not put a foot wrong. Jean Rodelato (Monaco Plaisir) and Luigi Guarnaccia (Smeralda5) completed the podium.
Conditions were as expected in December, with cold grey skies and a light 6-9 knot north-westerly on Friday, an 8-knot north-easterly on Saturday and finally sunshine and warmth for the final race on the Sunday.
Teams meet again on the water from 14-17 January 2021 for Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series. Until then, they will leave their sailing gear in the cloakrooms to don yachtsman’s attire for the YCM Awards-Trophée Credit Suisse being held remotely on Tuesday 15th December at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
As it does every year, this event pays tribute to sailors who have done particularly well during the year in a ceremony attended by HSH Prince Albert II. This year, although most of the award winners will be present, many Club members will be participating via Zoom. The Club is determined to maintain this long-held and much appreciated tradition while respecting the constraints of the current health crisis.
