For J/70 crews there is no winter break. From 5-8 November, Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series kicks off these monthly regattas organised in partnership with North Sails. Launched in 2013, this championship is an opportunity to race throughout the winter and pit themselves against an international fleet at a race venue offering ideal conditions in winter. Around 20 boats are expected for this opening regatta with several teams determined to shake-up last season’s rankings.
All eyes will be on G-Spot helmed by Yacht Club de Monaco member Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio. The team won the 2025-2026 championship after 25 races, ahead of fellow members Pierrik Devic’s Fraser Yachts and Nico Poons’ Charisma V H992 Sailing Team to secure an all-YCM podium. This season the slate is wiped clean. Fraser Yachts is back on the starting line, as is Stefano Roberti’s Piccinina, winner of the 2024-2025 season.
Another crew to watch is Moonlight II helmed by the 2016 Olympic 470 class champion Saskia Clark. It all points to some exciting action from the start. There is also strong international competition, notably from the well-represented Swiss contingent that includes Lorenz Kausche’s Tarte-3Nuits.com, Thaïs de Tribolet’s Jacqueline, and two Ville de Genève teams. The Swedish El Otro crew who regularly attend the Monaco event will also be on the start. Then of course there is the French team Euro-Voiles, led by Denis Infante, who topped the Corinthian category last season.
The format remains unchanged, with short courses, back-to-back starts and up to nine races scheduled for each event. Beyond the rankings, for many the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series provide a valued training ground. Some crews use it to prepare for upcoming international competitions, while others take advantage of the winter season to develop their teams or test out new boat settings. The 15+ boats in the J/70 Monaco Class Association also make an important contribution to this race-training approach and to one design racing in general in the Principality.
After Act I, the fleet will be back out on the water for Act II (10-13 December), then Act III (11-14 February) before the final Act IV (10-14 March 2027) which is part of the 43rd Primo Cup-UBS Trophy, launched in 1985 by YCM’s President, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Thursday 5 November sees boats being launched and registrations finalised with a warm-up race scheduled for 2.30pm. On Friday, the first warning signal is at 12 noon after the skippers’ briefing.
Provisional programme
Friday 6 November
10.00am: Skippers briefing
12 noon: First warning signal
Saturday 7 November
11.00am: First warning signal
Sunday 8 November
11.00am: First warning signal
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