Both young & experienced sailors converged in the Mediterranean
The Yacht Club of Monaco (YCM) held two international events this past weekend: The Monaco Optimist Team Race and the third leg of the Monaco Sports Boat Winter Series, with more than 100 boats adding to the beautiful bay’s landscape, consisting of three flotillas navigating on three separate races.
6th Monaco Optimist Team Race – January 15-18, 2015 – Swiss retain title
A line up of 64 brave and talented teenagers, ranging from 12 to 15 years old, grouped in 16 teams and representing 13 countries, participated in the Monaco Optimistic Team Race, with boats supplied by the Erplast boatyard, and organized by the YCM with the support of FxPro and FON. It was of no surprise that for the 4th year in a row, victory went to 4 young Swiss sailors from the Gstadd Yacht Club. They were in the lead after the Round Robin with 13 wins out of 15 races, became unbeatable in the final stages and conquered the podium and retained their title. The Finnish team from Helsingfors Segelsallskap (HSS Helsinki) reached an honorable second position, followed by the Russians from the St. Petersburg Yacht Club’s Sailing Academy.
Alfredo Ricci, Principal Race Officer and in charge of team racing for the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) was very complementary towards the YCM’s new facilities and the entertainment offered, plus most importantly the possibility to race in the harbor which is not that common and is so safe for children. He said: “The place to be for this race format.”
Monaco Sports Boat Winter Series – Act 3 – January 16-18, 2015 – Monegasque won Melges 20
The bumpy conditions in the Hercules Bay provided for an interesting testing turf for the 40-plus one designs divided between Melges 20 and J/70. This was the third weekend of a total of five series that combines training with top competition. Alongside there were a dozen SB20s also out there training under the supervision of Philippe Michel, national technique coach, invited by Ed Russo, SB20 Class President.
Melges 20 – The winner was the Monegasque Guido Miani – 333 (Monaco Racing Fleet), who had been third in the last World Championship. Young Russian Polina Lyubomirova (Bronenosec) came second, and was World Champion in the IRC 44 together with his father Vladimir. Vladimir Prosikhn (Nika) came third.
J70 – The fleet has increased to 23 registered, and this weekend’s squadron counted four German and two English teams who took the first places, with all ranked in the top ten. They will surely be tough challengers in the J/70 European Open Championship to be held in Monaco from October 12-17 this year. Monegasque Ian Ilsley (St. Andrews), the J/24 European vice-champion has tamed his recently acquired J/70. Together with tactician Francois Brenac and Philippe Buchard trimming, Ilsley hovers solidly at the foot of the podium ahead of Monaco class president, Jacopo Carrain (Carpe Diem).
Results – Final Ranking
Melges 20 (after 5 races, 4 retained)
1. Monaco Racing Fleet (Guido Miani, 10 pts)
2. Bronenosec (Lyubomirova, 11 pts)
3. Nika (Vladimir Prosikhin, 12 pts)
J/70 (after 5 races, 4 retained)
1. Esprit d’équipe (Steffen Hepberger, 8 pts)
2. Joyride (Ian Wilson, 9 pts)
3. Haw Blanken (Lehman Claas, 13 pts)
Upcoming competition – Primo Cup – Credit Suisse Trophy
- Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1 – Dragon, Star, Smeralda 888, Surprise, Melges 32, IRC Classes 3&4
- Friday, February 6-8 – J/70, Melges 20, Platu 25, Longtze Premier, IRC 1&2
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