YCM were competing in the French Handivalide Championship and continues to develop its sailing policy for people with disabilities. For several seasons now, YCM has been developing this activity with a clear objective: to enable able-bodied sailors and those with a disability to sail together on the same courses and under the same conditions. A flagship event of this commitment is the Navicap Challenge-Elena Sivoldaeva Trophy which in just a few years is now a recognised event on the European circuit. The momentum behind it was evident this week on Lac de l’Ailette at the French Handivalide Championship Double and the National Solo Hansa 303 organised by the French Sailing Federation.
At Lac l’Ailette, Monegasque representatives were competing in a large experienced fleet. Faced with light breezes, tricky wind shifts and closely contested races, the teams had to maintain precision and focus from start to finish. Competing in the Handivalide double-hander category, Nicolas Lelu and Alexandre Richard finished 21st out of 71 contestants while Christiane-Eugénie Gautier partnered with Marco Stevenazzi were ranked 30th. In the solo format, Alexandre Richard ranked 12th ahead of Nicolas Lelu 14th, Marco Stevenazzi 35th, and Christiane-Eugénie Gautier 61st.
Since 2022, YCM has boosted its inclusive sailing fleet with the arrival of an AIRA 22, two Hansa 303s and an Echo 90, thanks to the support of Club donor member, Elena Sivoldaeva. Meanwhile, several instructors in the Sports Section have undertaken special training to safely supervise participants in optimal conditions. The objective is not just to discover sailing, but also to develop a pathway and support keen sailors so they can compete in national and international competitions.
YCM’s participation in inclusive sailing events continues with the goal being the Navicap Challenge-Elena Sivoldaeva Trophy organised 4-6 December 2026 in the Principality. In just a few years, the Monegasque event has become an important meeting on the European Hansa 303 circuit. It is a way for Yacht Club de Monaco to continue showcasing its belief that sailing is one of the few sports where everyone can sail together.
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