The prestigious waters of Monaco set the stage for the start of the 2025-2026 Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco. The opening act, known as Act I, unfolded over four demanding days, featuring intense competition among 23 international crews.
Local Team Secures Decisive Victory
Competing on his home turf, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio and his team aboard the yacht G-Spot delivered a masterclass in sailing. The Monegasque crew, representing the host Yacht Club de Monaco, established their dominance from the very first day and never relinquished their lead.
Their performance was marked by remarkable precision, as they clinched victory in five out of the eight validated races. This consistency built an insurmountable lead, leaving them a full nine points ahead of their closest challengers by the end of the regatta.
Fierce Competition for the Podium
The Italian team on Alice emerged as the primary contender, engaging in fierce duels with the leaders, particularly during Saturday's races. However, they were unable to close the gap, ultimately securing second place.
Completing the top three was the French team Euro-Voiles, which mounted a strong surge on the final day to capture the third spot on the overall podium. The competition behind the leaders was exceptionally tight, with mere points separating the next ten boats. A single tactical error was enough to cause significant shifts in the standings, highlighting the high level of skill across the fleet.
Amateur Division and Future Events
In the Corinthian division for amateur sailors, Euro-Voiles doubled their success by also claiming top honours. They were followed closely by the Swiss teams Tarte-3Nuits.com and Rhubarbe-3Nuits.com. The races in this category were so competitive that several finishes were decided by photo reviews.
The series confirmed Monaco's status as a premier winter training and racing venue for the J/70 class. The local fleet, one of the largest in the Mediterranean with 17 registered boats, saw ten of its teams compete. The conditions, characterized by shifting winds, tested crews on their gust-reading abilities and boat-handling skills, providing invaluable preparation for the major spring regattas.
The Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series serves as a direct build-up to the renowned Primo Cup-Trophée UBS, scheduled for March 5-8, 2026. This event, created by HSH Prince Albert II, is a cornerstone of one-design sailing in the region.
The J/70 fleet will return for Act II from December 4-7, 2025. With narrow point differences after the first act, the competition remains wide open, and every race will be critical for the final season standings.
Before that, the Yacht Club de Monaco will host the 3rd 'Navicap Challenge-Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva' from November 28-30. This inclusive regatta brings together able-bodied and disabled sailors to compete on equal terms in identical Hansa 303 boats, embodying the club's commitment to accessibility and fair play.
