3-5 March 2017: Melges 20 & J/70 (Act V), M32 (Act III), Star

Countdown to final hour

Racing starts Friday 3^rd March 2017

For the final Act of the 2016/2017 Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, more than 250 sailors divided across 70 boats in four classes are expected in Monaco this weekend. Increasingly popular with international sailors, mainly from northern and eastern Europe, this series of regattas for one-designs has grown over the years to become a must on the sailing calendar for many.

Organised once a month from October to March by the Yacht Club de Monaco in collaboration with clothing supplier SLAM on the initiative of Valentin Zavadnikov, these events are a great opportunity for foreign teams to establish their winter base in the Principality to prepare for the upcoming season.

J/70: Brazilians dream of victory

4th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series

Brazilian Mario Soerensen Garcia at the helm of Mandachuva is back, determined to conserve his place at the top of the ranking before the grand finale. They are equal on points with the Swiss on Aprotec-Cer3 led by Nicolas Groux so expect some epic tactical duels between the two teams on the Monegasque race area. The Russians on Arttube are not far behind in 3^rd of this provisional ranking ahead of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Stefano Roberti (Piccinina). Indeed, the YCM is well represented in the J/70 class, with 17 of the 63 boats registered for the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series 2016/2017 season.

Melges 20: Russians lead the way

In the Melges 20s, Russian supremacy leaves little room for outsiders to muscle in, with a 100% Russian podium for the penultimate Act in January. Pirogovo Sailing helmed by Youry Morozov is ahead of his compatriot Vladimir Prozikhin (Nika) from the YCM. All are serious contenders, aiming to pull out all the stops till the very last race. Already 16 teams from five countries are registered for this event.

M32: Monegasques on top

4th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series

Newly arrived into this Winter Series the all-carbon ultra-dynamic M32 catamarans continue to put on a great show at each event. Six are taking advantage of the ideal weather conditions the Principality enjoys at this time of year. Local Guido Miani (Team Neverland) from the Yacht Club de Monaco is a strong favourite having won the previous two meetings. He also leads the provisional ranking by a point ahead of the Italians on Italia Sailing Team.

Stars at the rendezvous

Having already raced at the 33^rd Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse in February, the former Olympic Star class is back, this time for the third stage of their European winter circuit. The YCM’s Filippo Orlando is still in with a chance of a podium finish and will be doing all in his power to achieve that goal.

4th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series