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Kostia Belkin and the crew on Viola continue to ride high in the rankings

  • 1 August 2026
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Viola is relishing in her American adventure, as the gaff cutter skippered by Yacht Club de Monaco member Kostia Belkin continues a strong run of good results. Most recently, the crew lined up on the start lines of the Castine Classic Yacht Race, the Camden to Brooklin Race and the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta. With two fourth-place finishes and one 5th place, the Fife-design yacht continues to fly the Principality’s flag with pride on the other side of the Atlantic.

A fast-paced campaign

Three classic yacht regattas were held in quick succession in one of Maine’s most picturesque regions. The first event was in Castine, where the fleet set off for the 27th Castine Classic Yacht Race. Under overcast skies in a northerly 12-knot breeze, the crews raced 19.4 nautical miles across Penobscot Bay to Camden. Viola finished 4th out of ten contestants to kick off this stage of her American tour in style. The next day, the Monegasque crew was back on the water for the Camden to Brooklin Race. This time Viola faced 36 entrants under 50-foot and secured another well-earned 4th place. The gaff cutter designed by William Fife maintained this momentum at the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta, finishing 5th overall.

A thrilling summer season as Viola relishes in her American adventure

Since early August, Viola has been relishing in her American adventure with a string of stylish and consistent performances. After winning the friendly regattas organised by the Manhattan Yacht Club, Larchmont Yacht Club and Indian Harbor Yacht Club, she secured another podium finish, taking 2nd in real time, just two seconds adrift of the winner at Seawanhaka. A few days later, she clinched 3rd place at Newport Race Week. With the wind seemingly in her sails, it seems nothing can stop Kostia Belkin and his crew as they continue their summer season across the Atlantic.

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