Under the impetus of the Pink Waves, a group of around 50 women sailors from the Yacht Club de Monaco who come together to share their passion for sailing, the Y.C.M. is organizing an all-female J/70 event in collaboration with the Monegasque and French Sailing Federations. Registration is limited to the first 20 teams of a maximum of 5 female sailors.
Every year, the Trophée Virginie Heriot attracts a multitude of participants, from experienced racers to novices. Teams come from a variety of nationalities, creating an environment rich in cultural exchange and shared experience. These women, driven by their passion for the sea, compete in a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity. The diversity of skills contributes to making this event a true celebration of women’s sailing.
The event takes place on J/70s. This popular yacht is a one-design, which means that all the boats are built to the same specifications to guarantee equal performance during the regattas. Launched in 2012 by J/Boats, the J/70 has rapidly become one of the most widely used keelboats in competition. The Monaco Yacht Club boasts one of the largest fleets in the Mediterranean.
It is an international regatta exclusively for women, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with the Monegasque and French Sailing Federations and under the impetus of the Pink Waves. Raced in J/70s, it brings together top-level female crews from around the world each year. The event pays tribute to Virginie Hériot, the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in sailing at the 1928 Amsterdam Games, and a pioneering figure who was nicknamed "Madame de la Mer" (Lady of the Sea).
The regatta is held in the bay of Monaco, usually in March, with three days of competition.
The Virginie Hériot Trophy is open to women's J/70 crews from national and international clubs. The event welcomes experienced sailors and developing teams alike, providing a fair environment that promotes performance and progress.
Registration is limited to the first 20 teams of a maximum of 5 female sailors. In the last edition teams from Great Britain, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, France and Monaco, confirming the event's international reach.
The competition takes place in several phases:
A qualifying phase, in which crews are divided into groups;
- then Gold and Silver fleets depending on the results;
- a Bronze fleet.
Each morning, boats are assigned by random draw to ensure complete equality of equipment and emphasise athletic skill and crew cohesion.
This regatta stands out for its:
- its exclusively female format;
- its tribute to a historic figure in sailing;
- its international level;
- its commitment to raising the profile of women in competitive sailing.
It is fully in line with the 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative promoted by the Yacht Club de Monaco.
The Pink Wave is a group of female sailors from the Monaco Yacht Club who play a key role in developing women's sailing. They compete on numerous international circuits and are behind the Virginie Hériot Trophy project, playing a leading role in its organisation and promotion.
Monaco's waters offer a variety of technical conditions.
- a variety of technical conditions;
- excellent visibility from land;
- an internationally recognised organisation.
These features make Monaco an ideal venue for a top-class women's regatta, promoting performance, fairness and visibility.
The races can be watched from the quays and seawall. The Yacht Club de Monaco publishes results, photos and videos on its official media channels and website at the end of each day.
The event aims to:
- promote high-level women's sailing;
- provide a challenging and fair sporting environment;
- promote female role models in sailing;
- establish the competition as a sustainable, international event.
Registration is via the Yacht Club de Monaco, either by invitation or through the selection process defined in the official Notice of Race.
Sports Events
sportevents@ycm.org
+377 93 10 65 05
