YCM members remained in contention in Porto Cervo, having again turned out in force for the event. Held over three days, this fifth stage of the 2026 Smeralda 888 Championship took place in challenging conditions with a light shifty wind. Despite the weather, four races were successfully completed, with Paolo Rotelli achieving the best result for Monaco, finishing 4th aboard Black Star in a regatta won by Marco Favale’s Millenium Falcon.
Ten teams turned out on the waters off Porto Cervo for the 23rd Coppa Europa Smeralda 888. Weather conditions complicated the racing, with tricky unstable winds allowing just four races to be held. In this context, consistency proved decisive.
With two 2nd place finishes in the opening races, Black Star had quickly established its position among the leaders. Paolo Rotelli’s crew held on to 2nd place overall right up to the last race, finally finishing in 4th place.
Yacht Club de Monaco was also represented by Martin Nweeia’s Paka’A (8th) and Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles Vamos Mi Amor (9th), while Stay Rude, helmed by Vittorio Lombardi Stronati, finished in 7th place. The presence of Francesco Bruni, helmsman on Luna Rossa during the 2021 America’s Cup, aboard Ziva (which finished 3rd overall) testifies to the fleet’s exceptionally high standard.
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