8th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series

 

Friday 5th February 2021. Act 2 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series got off to a strong start today for the 23 teams in competition, particularly the Monegasque formations which this evening occupy the top four places in the provisional ranking.

Eventful

A 15-knot easterly with a metre swell promised an exciting day of racing and the weathered faces confirmed how intense this first day had been. With four races played in quick succession and no downtime, the pace was relentless.

YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio’s G-spot emerged a winner in top spot, a comfortable 15 points ahead of his nearest rival. Behind him the Monegasque boats were dominant with Stefano Roberti (Piccinina) and Cesare Gabasio (Tinnj70) in 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Monaco’s Laser star Jérémy Moutout on YCM Lokomotiv is doing well in 4th. But they will have to keep a close eye on the rest of the fleet, notably outright winner of the last Act, Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries.

 

 

Impatience that cost them dear

Contestants were clearly champing at the bit to get off the mark, as evidenced by the number of individual recalls for the first start. As a result, eight crews were disqualified from the first race including the European Champion title holders, the Italians on Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries. For when the preparatory signal U flag is raised, absolutely no part of the boat or its crew or equipment can even nudge at the line in the minute before the starting gun is fired, or risk disqualification – a miscalculation that could jeopardise a podium finish and even victory. All that those concerned have to do now is not blot their copy book in the next two days to avoid sinking further down the rankings.

Rendezvous Saturday 6th February at 11.00am for the first warning signal of the day.

 

Programme (subject to change)

Saturday 6th February

11.00am: 1st warning signal

Sunday 7th February

11.00am: 1st warning signal

45 minutes after last boat finishes: prize-giving