The Cape 31 European Championship held in Sanremo recently marked an important milestone for Yacht Club de Monaco member Loïc Pompée’s Terrible Joy. It wasn’t just about results but an opportunity for young sailors in the Club to find out why so many are passionate about sailing. For three days, a 20-25 knot westerly ensured an exciting contest for all.

Lined up against the best European teams, Terrible Joy managed a very worthy 16th place in the overall ranking, finishing 5th in the amateur category. A very promising result for a crew that got together just 15 days before the event. With races in the top ten out of the 11 completed, the team consolidated their skills and teamwork. The Monaco team comprised seven sailors, including one professional and two talented youngsters from Yacht Club de Monaco: Didier Schouten and Juan Casalone.

The Primo Cup-Trophée UBS is renowned for showcasing new one design classes. In 2024, for the 40th edition it was the turn of the Cape 31 to try out the Monaco race area for the first time. Masterminded by seasoned racer, Lord Irvine Laidlaw, designed by Mark Mills and built in Cape Town, South Africa, this 10m one design is optimised for upwind performance and offshore breezes, while retaining its light air capabilities.

Comparable to a mini TP52, the race boat has a super responsive helm and meticulous attention to balance of crew visa-vis a large sail area, a configuration that requires perfect coordination and lightening quick reflexes.

During this event, Loïc Pompée also acquired an English Cape 31 from the top five in the championship. The new boat confirms YCM’s ambitions on this circuit with the aim being to build a solid team by involving young sailors from YCM.