Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series Act III - Overall
by Isabelle Andrieux 19 Jan 22:41 PST
16-19 January 2020
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series Act III © Martin Messmer
It took one small point to clinch victory, as Act 3 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series went down to the wire. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with clothing supplier SLAM, at the instigation of Valentin Zavadnikov, these monthly regattas have for the last seven years put on a fine show in Monaco's bay.
The 45 teams of 13 nationalities who had made the trip were not disappointed, with five races completed in optimal conditions ranging from a 5-12 knot westerly, ending on a 10-14 knot easterly. For the 180 sailors it was another opportunity to experience the race area that is set to host the J/70 World Championship in October 2021. A dress rehearsal which drew international competitors like the Corinthian team from the Seattle Yacht Club, as well as 11 Nordic teams including four from Sweden, one from Finland and one from Denmark.
Champions in the making
The Russians on Arttube led by the talented Valeriya Kovalenko pulled out all the stops in an attempt to snatch victory, but two race wins and a 2nd were not enough to dethrone Charles Thompson's men on Brutus. They may be in the Corinthian (amateur) category but proved they have what it takes at the highest level. Impeccable from start to finish the English Royal Southern Yacht Club team kept up the pressure throughout the three days, showing remarkable consistency: 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 3rd and 5th.
It was the Danes on Upupup who grabbed 3rd to complete the podium, equal on points with Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G Spottino) from the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Among the Monegasque entrants, Junda led by Ludovico Fassitelli fought hard to stay in contact with the leaders, but were foiled by a 19th place and finished 6th overall.
It's not over yet
This weekend's win was enough to propel Brutus to the top of the provisional ranking for the Winter Series with 43 points under their belts after 15 races. Junda, who had led the fleet after the first two Acts, is not finished yet and lies in 2nd place. Winners in 2017 and 2018, Arttube have their sights set on a triple, and their 2nd place this weekend takes them onto the third step of the provisional podium after three Acts.
All eyes are now on the 36th Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse which is on 6-9 February 2020 in Monaco. Queen of the one-design events this year six classes will be in contention: L30, Longtze Premier, H22, Smeralda 888, Melges 20 and J/70.
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series Act 3 ranking: (top four)
1st Charles Thompson (Brutus) - 11 pts
2nd Valeryia Kovalenko (Arttube) - 12 pts
3rd Bo Bøje Pedersen (Upupup) - 28 pts
4th Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G Spottino) - 28 pts
For more information and results visit www.ycm.org.