Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series Act 3 at Yacht Club de Monaco
by Isabelle Andrieux 21 Jan 2019 07:49 PST
17-20 January 2019
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series Act 3 © Martin Messmer
The new year offered proof that the one-design J/70 fleet is thriving, judging by the number that turned out to compete in Act III of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, with 40 boats out on the water.
"The race area and conditions were top with a steady wind and flat sea. I was especially impressed by how responsive the Race Committee and staff were in managing races in such quick succession," said Ian Wilson, World J/70 Class President. He was racing this weekend on one of the Irish boats (Soak Racing) to see the Yacht Club de Monaco's organisation ahead of the Worlds that are set to take place in the Principality in 2021.
For certain the level at the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series continues to rise, as nations discover the Monegasque race area, like the Finns, here for the first time, the Swedes and an armada of Swiss, Germans and Russians, ever-loyal to these monthly regattas.
In terms of results, it was difficult to determine a winner as the lead changed at every mark.
After seven races, a leader emerged in Andreï Malygin (Maria) who also won the Corinthian category. Knowing the record of some of the professionals, one can only be impressed by this Russian and his team who were always in the lead group. One premature start almost cost him first place.
Flanking them on the podium were the two Yacht Club de Monaco boats, Loïc Pompée's Allo Ill who was celebrating his birthday and Ludovico Fassitelli on Junda, leader of this winter championship, who despite the absence of his tactician proved combative and quick. A result that bodes well for the rest of his season.
In the Melges 20s, the Russian Alex Team helmed by Alexander Mikhaylik won the day, followed by Marina Kaverzina (Marussia) and Monegasque resident and instigator of the Winter Series, Valentin Zavadnikov (Synergy), in a close-fought battle for 2nd place won by Marussia.
All meet again for the 35th Primo Cup presented by Credit Suisse, and garments from technical clothing supplier SLAM, 7-10 February 2019.
Alongside the J/70s and Melges 20s, the H22 and Longtze Premier classes complete the field, a total of 80 boats expected.
A fine spectacle is in store in the bay of Monaco for this major one-design regatta which has been opening the Mediterranean season for the last 35 years.