YC Monaco

Member's area access
logo
logo

The start of the 20th Palermo–Montecarlo is on

  • 19 August 2025
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
Facebook
X
Twenty years after its inaugural event in 2005, the Palermo–Montecarlo race is celebrating a special anniversary edition, confirming its status as a major fixture in the Mediterranean sailing calendar. Organised by the Circolo della Vela Sicilia in collaboration with the Yacht Club de Monaco and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the race links the Gulf of Mondello in Palermo to the Principality of Monaco, covering 500 nautical miles and crossing one of the most strategic and diverse basins in the Mediterranean. The starting gun was fired today at 12:00, with the iconic Italian Navy training ship Palinuro in attendance.
“Since the first race in 2005, it has grown without ever losing its sense of adventure and camaraderie. More than a regatta, it embodies the deep ties between Monaco and Sicily, fostered by the friendship between our clubs. Driven by the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, it has established itself as a major classic of the Mediterranean offshore season, and that is a real source of pride. Our ambition is to preserve this identity while inspiring future generations,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the YCM.

A strong international line-up

Forty-five boats representing seven nations are competing, confirming the race’s truly international character. Leading the fleet is the 100-foot Maxi Black Jack 100, which is owned by YCM member Remon Vos and skippered by YCM Captain’s Club member Tristan Le Brun. He is back to defend his 2024 record of 44 hours, 34 minutes and 14 seconds. Weather forecasts suggest this will be a fast race, with a 10–12 knot easterly at the start, a southerly breeze towards Sardinia and westerly winds off Corsica, with gusts exceeding 20 knots.

Yacht Club de Monaco members on the start

Alongside the current record holder and line honours winner of the last Rolex Fastnet Race, Black Jack 100, four other boats are flying the Monaco burgee: Shooting Star (Bavaria 44, Eugene Van Koppen); Gorilla Gang XL (Comet 48’, Andrea Statari); K’Mena (J99, Éric Müller); and Joy (Grand Soleil 48, Thierry Leret). Four young sailors from the Sports Section are taking to the open sea on board Joy for an experience rooted in transmission.

Formidable opponents

The fleet promises an intense battle throughout the race, with serious contenders including Intuition (Mini Maxi Reichel-Pugh 69, skipper Yann Delplace); Sisi (VO65, ex-Volvo Ocean Race, skipper Oliver Kobale); and Blue Moon Arkas (TP52, skipper Serhat Altay). The Swan 56 Azahar, owned by the Frenchman Hervé Grunig, rounds off the list of top favourites.

Strong Italian presence

The Italian fleet boasts several strong contenders, including the foiling catamaran Falcon (skipper Francesco Ceriana, owner Matteo Uliassi), Black Pekoe III (owner Ernesto Folli), Tengher (owner Alberto Magnani), Manticore (owner Franz Baruffaldi Preis), Superkalimera (owner Massimo Sabatini) and Duffy (owner Enrico Calvi), a loyal participant. Local clubs will also be represented by Starfly, Felix III and I Am Bad, who will be flying the colours of Palermo.

A virtual race to extend the experience

To celebrate the 20th edition, the Palermo–Montecarlo race is also available to play virtually on the Virtual Regatta platform. Over 2,700 players are already taking part in the online race. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall, the top three in the Interclubs Challenge between the Yacht Club de Monaco and the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, and the best competitor under the age of 18. This is a great way to bring the regatta to a wider audience, both offshore and ashore. Link to follow the race on Virtual Regatta.

From legend to competition

Since the legendary Steinlager II‘s inaugural victory in 2005, the regatta has become a must for the greatest names in sailing. Mauro Pelaschier, Jochen Schümann, Francesco Bruni, Philippe Monnet and Brad Butterworth (a four-time America’s Cup winner) have all made their mark on its history. For some, it’s a race against the clock; for others, it’s an adventure at sea.

This is a key regatta on the Mediterranean circuit

The Palermo–Montecarlo counts towards several international circuits, including the Mediterranean Maxi Offshore Challenge (International Maxi Association – IMA), the Italian Offshore Championship organised by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), the Mediterranean Offshore Trophy, the Owner of the Year Trophy (UVAI), the IRC Mediterranean Inshore & Offshore Championship and Trophy, and the Mediterranean Class40 Trophy. It has firmly established itself as a benchmark regatta in the region.
read more