Some 400 sailors, 90 teams, 23 nations and as many promises of results are on the menu for the J/70 World Championship organised by Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with the Monegasque Sailing Federation, FxPro, Sebago and technical sports clothing brand Slam which is supplying garments for all crew members on the podium. After what was a first glimpse of the race area for some during a warm-up race this afternoon, sailors opened the World Championship in style at the Opening Ceremony.
It was a warm-up race in name only as competitors pulled out all the stops to showcase the full potential and talent of an exceptionally compact fleet. In a 4-7 knot breeze, 90 teams tested out a race zone set to be the scene of extraordinary confrontations over the next five days. And the least we can say is that from the start the Monegasques showed they know the ins and outs of a tricky setting as evidenced by Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G-Spot) who won this first contest, a race in which YCM Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi and his team came 4th.
The results may not count but are proof of the determination and desire to win of many of the locals as they prepare to face top level international teams.
It all kicks off tomorrow from 11.00am when the first warning signal is fired.
