Women's J/70 Trophée Virginie Hériot Regatta Preview

Women On Water Portugal 2023 © Neuza Aires Pereira

On the 2025 International Day of Women in Sport, the Yacht Club de Monaco announced that it will host a J/70 regatta exclusively for women from March 13th to 16th, 2025.

In collaboration with the Fédération Monégasque de Voile and the Fédération Française de Voile, the Trophée Virginie Hériot, named in honor of a pioneering woman sailor, will feature four days of events and races in the waters of the Principality.

This event celebrates Virginie Hériot, known as 'Madame de la Mer,' the first woman to win an Olympic sailing gold medal as part of a male team in Amsterdam in 1928. Hériot remains an inspiring figure in the world of sailing, though her life was tragically cut short in 1932. After being seriously injured in a storm between Venice and Greece earlier that year, the French sailor continued competing undeterred. In late August, during the Arcachon regattas, she collapsed aboard her yacht, AILE VII, but insisted on competing. She succumbed to her injuries on 28th August 1932. Initially buried in her family vault in La Boissière-École, her son honored her final wishes in 1948 by scattering her ashes at sea, paying tribute to her deep connection to the ocean.

This regatta promises to be a vibrant celebration of women in sailing, honoring the legacy of Madame de la Mer while showcasing the talent and spirit of today's best female sailors from around the world.

Led by "Pink Wave", a group of around 50 women sailors from the YC Monaco, this international regatta gathers all-women teams from around the world. While primarily European teams will be in attendance, one notable team will be participating from the USA. Team Sound Sisters- part of Mudratz Sailing and Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association- are going sailing in Monte Carlo, Monaco soon.

Commenting on their opportunity to participate is skipper Lily Flack: "Alongside Eleanor Menezes, Sydney Clays, and Ella Bergendahl, I will be competing in the Trophée Virginie Hériot at the Yacht Club de Monaco next week! This prestigious all-women's J/70 event offers us an incredible opportunity to represent the ECSA on an international stage.

Competing in this event is more than just racing for us- it's an opportunity to break barriers and expand opportunities for women in sailing, a cause we are deeply passionate about. Here's to a week of competition, collaboration, and unforgettable memories!"

For more YC Monaco/ Trophee Virginie Heriot sailing information: yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/ycmevents/wls-trophy