Since its launch in 2005 on the initiative of Circolo della Vela Sicilia President Angelo Randazzo, the Palermo-Montecarlo quickly established itself as a Mediterranean classic, with its 500nm course that continues to attract a growing number of entrants.

For seasoned sailors like Mauro Pelaschier, Jochen Schümann, Francesco Bruni, Philippe Monnet and Brad Butterworth, four-time America’s Cup winner, it’s a race against the clock to beat the record; for others it is an adventure over several days at nights at sea with family and friends.

In line with the YCM’s sailing policy, having been initiated in the Melges 20 class in 2013 at the instigation of Valentin Zavadnikov, then the J/70s, the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series is a monthly programme of regattas and training weekends for one-design boats from December to March.

It has proved a very successful format with more than 350 sailors coming from across Europe to set up their winter training base in the Principality to prepare for the upcoming season’s big meetings.