Monegasque gentlemen-sailors took centre stage at the 2026 edition of the Coupe de l’Hippocampe. From 1-3 May, Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez hosted the 19th edition of this event reserved for one design classes, including this one presided by Charles de Bourbon des Deux Siciles from YCM. Ten crews were on the start for the Smeralda 888 Championship third stage contested in moderate wind conditions.
On the water, the pace was intense throughout the weekend. Nine races were completed establishing a clear hierarchy that left no room for chance. With conditions neither too light nor too strong consistency made the difference. In this context, Millenium Falcon emerged the winner with a series of clean races, ahead of Charles de Bourbon des Deux Siciles’ Vamos Mi Amor. The battle was constant between these two boats with each race reigniting the intensity.
Six entrants were flying the Yacht Club de Monaco colours: Vamos mi Amor, DAS, VForce, Blackstar, Paka’a and Seapard. A strong presence in an always compact fleet. Vamos Mi Amor came 2nd after a series of solid races and always in contention with the leader. Alessandro Zampori on DAS completed the podium in 3rd place. Behind them Timofey Sukhotin’s VForce came 7th, Blackstar led by the Stimamiglio brothers, 8th, Martin Nweeia’s Paka’a 9th and Seapard helmed by Robert McFarlane 10th.
With nine races completed and one result withdrawn, the rankings accurately reflected the week: a hard-fought battle at the top, and constantly having to maintain the pace to keep up. On this type of boat, gaps widen quickly. One poor start or bad decision and the race is difficult to recover. But it is in this context that these Monegasque gentlemen-sailors take centre stage.
The Coupe de l’Hippocampe remains true to its DNA, as a high-level regatta on the water with an atmosphere ashore that remains unchanged. This friendly challenge championed by Charles de Bourbon des Deux Siciles continues to maintain a healthy balance between competition and friendship.
This Var stage is part of the Smeralda Championship 2026. The crews meet again in Porto Cervo 26-28 June with a hierarchy already well established but still remains wide open.
Share:
