For the first time in the Principality, four classes will be sharing the race area for the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series this weekend, 9-11 December.
For three days, regulars of these meetings, Melges 20s and J/70s, will be racing alongside the new generation foiling GC32 catamarans and the spectacular one-design M32 catamarans. With some 300 sailors from 12 nationalities expected, these regattas organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with clothing supplier SLAM and first instigated by Valentin Zavadnikov, have become major events on the winter calendar. Dedicated to one-designs they are open to new classes.
Catamarans are latest attraction
The M32 cats heading for the Principality include the YCM’s own Guido Miani on his boat Neverland in what is the first Act of the season, sharing the race area with the GC32s. Malizia helmed by Pierre Casiraghi, Sébastien Rogues’ Team Engie and Realteam skippered by Jérôme Clerc will be competing in fleet and match races that put tactics to the test. The three have set up their winter base in the Principality to train for the 2017 season.
Top level racing for Melges 20 and J/70
For their third meeting of the season, the Melges 20 fleet comprises 19 boats in a class currently dominated by a Russian trio with Alexandr Ezhkov (Pirogovo Sailing) topping the provisional ranking, followed by Alexander Novoselov (Victor) and Valentin Zavadnikov (Synergy).
Alongside them is a 27-strong international fleet of J/70s from 11 nationalities. Winner at November’s meeting, YCM member Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda) has his sights set on repeating his performance to consolidate his position at the top of the championship.
Meeting with naval architect Martin Fisher
To complete this full-on sailing weekend, fluid and appendages specialist, Martin Fisher, the man behind the GC32 and head of the design team for the French America’s Cup challenger, will be unveiling the latest advances in foil development at a maritime conference on Saturday 10th December at 6.30pm in the YCM Meeting Room (Quay level – free entry on registration at: membres@ycm.org).
Programme:
Friday 9th December
8.30am – 10.30am: Registrations for J/70 and Melges 20
12 noon: 1st warning signal
Saturday 10th December
11.00am: 1st warning signal
6.30pm: Maritime Conference “Recent advances in foil development”
Sunday 11th December:
11.00am: 1st warning signal
After racing: Prize-giving
