During the 12th Optimist Halloween Cup, the team from Yacht Club de Monaco faced the challenge of windy conditions up to 25 knots on Lake Garda head on.

The regatta was a chance for sailors to prove their determination and resilience, particularly the youngest (born 2013-2015) who adapted well to the conditions and improved their techniques to boot.  Nine races were held over the three days.

In the younger Benjamin group, Mona Benchekroun, Louis Faivre and Anastasyia Verpeka Dolling stood out for their ability to overcome these difficult conditions, showing great progress. They finished 22nd, 25th and 36th respectively.

Sacha Mousny (48th) also confirmed his potential with some solid performances despite his lighter build. As for Jules Huon, his natural talent and sensitivity at the helm continues to impress and shows great promise for the future. In the older Minime category, Alexandra Santelli finished 37th with some great races finishing in the top 20 to win the silver group. Joséphine Dobbelaere pulled off a superb 7th place in the bronze group.

Since the summer, the 2013/2014 generation has been making steady progress regularly finishing on podiums. Formed in 2021 with no prior sailing experience, the group’s perseverance and the rigorous training and supervision provided by YCM is bearing fruit.

An intensive training programme is underway for November to prepare them for the next competition which is in Sanremo 6-8 December in Italy.