Saturday 4th February 2023. The nigh on 40 international boats competing in Act 3 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series enjoyed another beautiful day on this second day of racing. It goes without saying that these monthly regattas organised by Yacht Club de Monaco are enjoying superb weather conditions. With a 10-knot southwesterly, sun shining and another two races under the belts it confirms Monaco’s reputation as a must-do destination for one designs.
Raw talent comes to the fore again on this highly technical and demanding race area. No question of turning backs on the slightest wind shift on this course, total concentration is key. The second day again called on all the skills and consistency of sailors, a game mastered by YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G–Spot) as evidenced by his 2nd and 3rd places.
Only one change of tempo noted in the rankings after a sensational performance by the crew on Charisma led by Louis Samuel Poons, son of YCM’s brilliant helmsman, Nico Poons. Clearly, that master touch on the helm has been handed down from father to son.
With a name like Louis Samuel Poons he carries high hopes for the future and his entry into the J/70 class confirms it. This evening, he’s in 2nd place in the provisional overall ranking.
Every sailor thinks they have it in them to turn the tide right up to the last day, so all eyes will be on Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda), also from Yacht Club de Monaco, whose hunger to win is legion. He’s lying 3rd this evening but tomorrow is another day for this J/70 World Vice-Champion in the One Pro category who will no doubt give it his all to nibble away at the points that separate him from the podium’s top step.
Rendezvous tomorrow at 11.00am to see what the outcome is of this penultimate Act of the 10th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series.
