Giesbeek Girls race to victory

Woman Leading and Sailing Trophy | 16-17 March 2024

Yacht Club de Monaco concluded a winning 2^nd Woman Leading & Sailing Trophy. The all-female J/70 regatta was a resounding success with teams from all over the world here to celebrate women’s passion for sailing. Under the aegis of its collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ approach, in partnership with French and Monegasque Sailing Federations and support of FxPro and Slam, the event attracted 90 sailors determined to leave their mark on the race area in Monaco. “It’s a real pleasure to see these women sailing with such enthusiasm. It’s why this meeting is such a success,” says YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. Twenty teams representing 13 nations went head to head, proof of the diversity and growth of this remarkable event that’s all down to the dynamism of Pink Wave, a large group of YCM female sailors.

A skilfully orchestrated ballet

With ten boats on the water to race, military-precision was required to ensure all heats were completed. Teams drew lots and sailed in rotation, with everyone completing three races on the first day. The Dutch Giesbeek Girls team stood out, winning all three races to top the gold group Saturday evening. Their form continued on the second day with a fourth win ensuring their place on the podium, closely followed by the Swiss from CVL and then the French team, The Famous Project. Among the Monegasques, Pink Wave helmed by Kathrin Hoyos clinched a good 8^th in the gold. Young sailors were also competing, a perfect illustration of one of YCM’s core values to pass on the passion, with Namu Van Der Linden from its Sports Section sailing like a pro with the rest of the crew on Pink Wave Rubix Offshore to take 3^rd in the silver ahead of Team Scandi Tuiga in 9^th.

Upcoming top level meetings

It’s all systems go now to the 7^th Monaco Ocean Week (18-23 March 2024), an initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside the Monaco Government, Monaco Oceanographic Institute and Monaco Scientific Centre. Yacht Club de Monaco is responsible for the day dedicated to yachting with a busy programme of meetings on Thursday 21^st and Friday 22^nd March. Highlights include two events focused on innovations in the industry with the 13^th Environmental Symposium |A Day of Exploration organised in collaboration with The Explorers Club of New York followed by the 4^th YCM Explorer Awards – La Belle Classe Superyachts and not forgetting the 2^nd Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous.