The elite of Team Racing meet in Monaco for the Monaco Optimist Team Race. Competitors under the age of 15, divided into 16 teams of four sailors, compete on equal terms. At the end of the round-robin phase, in which all the teams meet, the quarter-finals and semi-finals take place, before the finals, the highlight of the show. Winning as many matches as possible to place your team at the top of the table is the common goal of all competitors. Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Monaco Optimist Team Race has become a global benchmark for young international racers.
What makes the Monaco Optimist Team Race so special is its match racing format. Inspired by the America’s Cup, match racing is a sporting discipline in its own right. Divided into teams of four, participants meet as they go along. At the end of the round-robin phase, during which all the teams meet, the quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place, before the long-awaited finals.
The Monaco Optimist Team Race takes place on Optimist-type boats, specifically designed for young sailors.
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The Monaco Optimist Team Race is an annual international regatta for sailors under 14 organised by Yacht Club de Monaco since 2010. It is a team racing event on Optimists, where national teams of four young sailors compete in a tactical and spectacular format.
There are several stages:
The format rewards speed as well as team tactics, communication and situation management.
The event is open to national teams of young sailors competing on Optimists. Each team comprises four sailors supervised by a coach.
The event is invitation only. Up to 16 may be selected and invitations can be requested via online registration.
The Monaco Optimist Team Race is an opportunity for young sailors to get international experience at a key stage in their development. Team racing develops anticipation, collaborative strategies, fair-play and quick decisions. It is often their first contact with high-level competition.
Races are held in Monaco Bay, near the Yacht Club de Monaco. The venue is close to the shore and offers a variety of tactical conditions and can be watched from the shore.
The races can be seen from the main harbour wall. There is a reception area ashore where people can see the rankings as they happen. Photos, videos and results are published daily on the YCM’s official channels.
The event is part of Yacht Club de Monaco’s sports policy to foster team spirit, discipline, self-control and respect for the rules. The emphasis is very much on learning, making progress and the joy of sailing.
YCM oversees the event, hosts the invited nations and provides its sports facilities. It also supports young sailors in the YCM Sports Section with their development by enabling them to interact with foreign teams and international coaches, and experience racing in professionally organised conditions.
