The Navicap Challenge-Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva 2025 was won in fine style by Victor Holst and Paul Pillon, young sailors from Yacht Club de Monaco, ahead of a record fleet of 65 crews from eight nations. Organised by the YCM in collaboration with FxPro and North Sails, the event is unique as one where teamwork takes on a whole new dimension given the very different profiles of the participants. “Over these last three days, we saw double-hander crews capable of adapting, listening to each other and building a rhythm race after race. This is exactly what we want to encourage: demanding sailing, where technique counts as much as teamwork,” said YCM Managing Director and General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.
Paul Papillon and Victor Holst’s victory was down to consistency as evidenced by their two wins out of four races. In a tightly packed field the pair were always in the vanguard. Behind them, another Monaco pair, Arthur Piekarec and Cédrick Calabuig completed the double podium finish for YCM, as their regularity allowed them to stay in contention throughout the contest in a close duel with the all-female French Martine / Ann Marteau duo who finished 3rd.
From day one, the Hansa 303 fleet set the pace. During the qualifier Round Robin phase, when all groups get to race each other, the cream of the double-handers made their mark, including Hansa 303 World Champion, Gauthier Bril, partnered with Camille Massonnaud, who said: “It’s the ideal regatta to prepare for future events including the inclusive sailing World Championship in Oman. Sailing helps you discover yourself and overcome your apprehensions”. The overall level is proof that the Navicap Challenge continues to grow in strength as a meeting not to be missed on the inclusive sailing calendar.
Designed to promote sailing for all, the Hansa 303, of which YCM owns two thanks to Club member Elena Sivoldaeva, takes two crew. Whether able-bodied or with a disability or a mix of the two, the key to success lies in coordination and intelligently managed manoeuvres. The presence of so many youngsters from YCM’s Sports Section, such as Nicolas Rostagni, Gabriel Lanteri Gaglio, Arthur Piekarec, Armand Chevalier and Paul Papillon, is testimony to the Club’s commitment to training and transmission.
Prize-giving celebrated the dedication of sailors, volunteers and those supervising the Navicap Challenge-Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva which has become a fixture on Monaco’s calendar as a unifier in the sailing community.
Next up for YCM is Act II of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas that culminate in the Primo-Cup Trophée UBS (5-8 March 2026), as the J/70 fleet gathers again 4-7 December 2025. Gaps at the top of the table point to a competitive season ahead, when every race will count. After Act 1, YCM member Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) currently tops the leaderboard in the provisional ranking.
