YCM shines again on Mediterranean waters

Sails have come down on the 48th Régates Royales de Cannes which concluded with three podium finishes for YCM racing members. There were eight classes competing in an exceptional lineup as hundreds of sailors descended on Cannes. The programme lived up to the calibre of the fleet, with four days of hard-fought racing. Argynne III, Beppe Zaoli (Twilight), Massimiliano Ferruzzi (Il Moro di Venezia), and Paul Serhal (Schwanensee) were flying the flag for YCM.

Three podium finishes for YCM racing members

The Eugène Cornu designed Argynne III was among those competing. Flying the YCM burgee the 1955 Marconi cutter got off to a great start. After clinching 3^rd place in the first race, she came 5^th in the overall ranking in the Marconi B class.

In the Classic Marconi Racer class, Beppe Zaoli (Twilight) and Massimiliano Ferruzzi (Il Moro di Venezia) played leading roles to clinch the two top spots overall. In the Modern Classic category, the battle to win was fierce in the top three.

Schwanensee skippered by Paul Serhal from YCM came 3^rd after a thrilling finish, tying on points with the 2^nd-placed boat. Overall it was a successful haul of prizes with three podium finishes for YCM racing members.

Perfect weather conditions

The Cannes Film Festival isn’t the only show to come to this town. In September the action on the water is just as spectacular. This time it was the sailors taking centre stage. After the Dragon class, the first to head out to the race venue, the Classic, Big Boat, Gaff Rig, Marconi Rig, Modern Classic and Tofinou fleets took their positions. But patience was required as the weather did not play ball. After a three-hour wait ashore, hot sun worthy of August and a thermal breeze slow to kick-in, the first day did not live up to expectations and the Race Committee had to send the crews back to shore earlier than planned.

It was all change the next day as an easterly 12-knot breeze allowed several starts with a light chop buffeting the bows. Similar conditions prevailed on the Thursday with 26^oC on the temperature gauge and a brisk 15-knot south-south-westerly delighting the crews in Cannes’ western Rade.

On Friday, the going was tougher with a steady 25 knots and strong gusts forcing the Race Committee to spare the crews and boats. By early afternoon it had calmed down enough for the organisers to complete their programme.