The 4th Monaco Sportboat Winter Series
December 9-11, 2016:
Melges20 (Act III), J70 (Act II), GC32 (Act II), M32 (Act I)
A spectacular finale
Sunday, December the 11th. The last day of the Monaco Sportboat Winter Series was very intense with four races run on the Melges 20 and J/70 rounds. Same pace for the catamarans, since the M32 were disputing 8 races against 7 for the GC32.
This series held over the last 4 years between October and March by the Yacht Club of Monaco in collaboration with the equipment manufacturer SLAM and inspired by Valentin Zavadnikov, is being revived with the arrival of new supports. Aerodynamically lined spotboats that make a spectacular show in the Monegasque Bay aroused the curiosity of the younger members of the YMC Sports Section. Even a group of dolphins was not left indifferent to all this animation at the sea.
A very intense weekend; In addition to the regattas, a technical conference was held by the German naval architect Martin Fisher, designer of the GC32 and Flying Phantom, head of the design team for the French challenge in the America’s Cup. He presented the latest advances in foil development to the delight of crews passionate about new technologies.
GC32 : Flying in Monaco
The three GC32, a new generation of foil catamarans make their second show in the Principality. At an 8-knot wind, the three hulls are lifted in turns, taking off from the water and holding, like balancers, on an L-shaped carbon foil. Invited by Pierre Casiraghi, these Formula 1 of the seas brought another dimension to the sailing sport, doing multiple rounds with an incredible regularity and speed, under the supervision of Anne Mallédant, PRO of the GC32 Racing Tour.
At the end of the three racing days marked by 11 races, Jérôme Clerc (Realteam) won the victory from the Team Engie of Sébastien Rogues and Malizia led by Pierre Casiraghi, assisted by Sébastien Col and Boris Herrmann. They are all coming very close in the final overall rating. A result that perfectly illustrates the battle fought on the water during this regatta weekend.
M32 : The new attraction
the M32 were newcomers to the Monaco Sportboat Winter Series. It is another type of ultra-dynamic catamarans that did a spectacular performance and did not disappoint with the total of 11 rounds. The race committee supervised by Mattias Dahlström was pacing 7 to 10 minute rounds like a clock.
The victory went to the Y.C.M. helmsman Guido Miani (Team Neverland) only slightly in advance by a point from the Cape Crown Viking of Patrick Sturesson. Riccardo Simoneshi (Italia Sailing Team) closes the race as he finishes 3rd.
“I am delighted that my Club is hosting this series, very suitable for any weather conditions. This regatta format from Monaco Sportboat Winter Series is fantastic for the crews to train at the end of the year and prepare for the 2017 season,”commented Guido Miani.
J/70 : The cards are redistributed
In this very dynamic and international series, with 34 crews of eleven nationalities from all over the world, only five points were separating the top six leaders. The Monegasque waters continue to bring a good luck to the Italian Luca Domenici (Notaro Team), a crowned champion of Europe 2015. The second place, for the second consecutive time, goes to the Russian Valeriya Kovalenko (Art Tube) who finished with Charles Thompson (Brutus) on a tail. Stefano Roberti (Piccinina), European vice-champion of the series, confirmed his position as aleader of the Monegasque armada (made of eleven units) finishing in the 8th place.
Melges 20: Eastern Europe at the forefront
Fourteen Melges 20 have also made their way from elsewhere, including 8 Russian crews. It is however the Polish Krzysztof Krempec (Mag Tiny) who comes first leaving Pirogovo Sailing of Alexandr Ezhkov by one point behind. A nice regularity for Alexander Novoselov (Victor) who finishes the 3rd for the second time.
The next racing of the Monaco Sportboat Winter Series will take place on January 13-15, 2017 with the presence of the Melges 20, J / 70 and M32 …
It is a good bet that many will be determined to climb to the top of the Primo Cup Trophy Credit Suisse (February 2-5, 2017).
Final Overall Classification:
GC32 (after 11 rounds)
1st: Jérôme Clerc (Realteam), SUI, 19 points
2nd: Sébastien Rogues (Team Engie), FRA, 23 points
3rd: Pierre Casiraghi (Malizia), MON, 24 points
J/70 (après 4 manches)
1st: Luca Domenici (Notaro Team), ITA, 20 points
2nd:Valeriya Kovalenko (Art Tube), RUS, 21 points
3rd: Charles Thompson (Brutus), GBR, 21 points
Melges 20 (après 4 manches)
1st: Krzysztof Krempec (Mag Tiny), POL, 10 points
2nd:Alexandr Ezhkov (Pirogovo Sailing), RUS, 11 points
3rd: Alexander Novoselov (Victor), RUS, 16 points
M32 (après 11 manches)
1st: Guido Miano (Team Neverland), MON, 20 points
2nd: Patrick Sturesson (Cape Crown Viking), SWE, 21 points
3rd: Riccardo Simoneschi (Italia Sailing Team), ITA, 25 points
