Monaco Optimist Team Race

USA and Turkey neck and neck

10-14 January 2024

Thursday 10th January 2024 – It was all systems go for the 72 young sailors on the first day of racing at the Monaco Optimist Team Race. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco with support from Monaco Marine, FxPro, sailing gear supplier SLAM, the Erplast boatyard and Peace and Sport, the event demands consistency, mastery of team racing rules and above all enthusiasm.

Conditions were ideal with a steady 12-knot easterly kicking up a slight chop putting the young sailors skills to the test during the 41 races completed.

Everything to play for

Participants from around the world demonstrated exceptional strategic skills, in tightly fought team match race duels that required them to be at the top of their game to gain an advantage.

The Race Committee timed each race to follow on quickly one after the other with spectators enjoying moments of breathtaking sequences. Bold tactics, pin-sharp tacks and well-managed starts were the norm throughout the day, testimony to these budding young racers talent.

This evening, two teams top the table after the Americans from the J Carolina Yacht Club and Turkey’s national team both won their four races to propel them into a provisional top place at the end of day one.

Yacht Club de Monaco’s team representing the Principality won three races and will be aiming to climb higher up the ranking tomorrow.

The stage is set for another exciting day with match races scheduled to start 10.00am on Friday.

Press contacts – Tel: +377 93 10 64 09 – Email: presse@ycm.org Press accreditation: on website

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