Under the leadership of Adalberto Miani and Class President Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles, the Smeralda 888 one design class has again captivated sailing enthusiasts with a full calendar this season in some of the most prestigious regatta venues in the Mediterranean. From Saint-Tropez to Porto Cervo via Cannes, Monaco and Barcelona, the class combines elegance and performance and has put on a spectacular show. As the 2024 season draws to a close, the final rankings will be confirmed at the grand finale in the Principality this weekend. Thirteen boats are expected, six from Yacht Club de Monaco.
A suspense-full circuit
The season kicked off in February with the 40th Primo Cup-Trophée UBS when the crew on Canard à l’Orange helmed by Achille Onorato dominated the competition. Next stop was Alassio, Italy, for the Trofeo Luigi Carpaneda in April where Giada helmed by Germano Scarpa from YCCS triumphed in a hard-fought contest marking the fleet’s rise to prominence. The third stage in Saint-Tropez at the Coupe de l’Hippocampe allowed Canard à l’Orange to consolidate their lead with Achille Onorato again at the top of the leaderboard ahead of Morten Kielland’s Mathilde. In Porto Cervo for the Invitational 888, the crew on Timofey Sukhotin’s Beda prevailed in variable wind conditions, putting their boat back in the running for the title.
A decisive final beckons
July marked a turning point in the season at the Coppa Europa in Porto Cervo where Vamos mi Amor helmed by Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles came 2nd behind Django, setting the stage for a thrilling end to the season. Then in September in Barcelona, Vamos mi Amor confirmed their impressive form by winning the Barcelona Cup and sealing their status as favourites before the grand finale.
So the ground is well-prepared for the final event that will take place in Monaco from 11-13 October 2024. In this fiercely competitive class, all eyes will be on Vamos mi Amor, or maybe Canard à l’Orange, or even Beda, all are in with a chance of upsetting predictions.
