The 2025 edition of the Navicap Challenge–Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva concluded at the Yacht Club de Monaco with a powerful statement: inclusive sailing is not just growing, it is redefining competitive standards. Organized in collaboration with sponsors FxPro and North Sails, the event drew a record fleet that turned the waters off Monaco into a hotly contested sporting arena.
Monaco's Young Sailors Secure Top Honors
Amid a diverse field of sixty-five crews representing eight different nations, the home team emerged victorious. The duo of Victor Holst and Paul Pillon from the Yacht Club de Monaco delivered a masterclass performance, securing the overall win. Their campaign was marked by remarkable consistency across four races, which included two outright victories.
Their success was mirrored by fellow club sailors Arthur Piekarec and Cédrick Calabuig, who captured a hard-fought second place. They narrowly edged out the French all-female team of Martine and Ann Marteau, who rounded out the podium in third position, highlighting the event's competitive and mixed nature.
Teamwork and Diversity at the Core
The unique format of the Navicap Challenge places a premium on collaboration. The fleet was a melting pot of athletes with disabilities, able-bodied sailors, and mixed crews, compelling every team to rely as much on communication and coordination as on pure sailing technique.
"Over these last three days, we saw double-hander crews capable of adapting, listening to each other and building a rhythm race after race," observed Bernard d’Alessandri, Yacht Club de Monaco's Managing Director and General Secretary. "This is exactly what we want to encourage: demanding sailing, where technique counts as much as teamwork."
A Key Event for the International Inclusive Sailing Calendar
The competition, which ran from late November and concluded on December 1, 2025, began at a fierce pace. The Round Robin qualifying series saw the Hansa 303 fleet set a high competitive bar. Notable participants included Hansa 303 World Champion Gauthier Bril, sailing with Camille Massonnaud.
"It’s the ideal regatta to prepare for future events including the inclusive sailing World Championship in Oman," Massonnaud noted, underscoring the event's significance as a top-tier training ground. The presence of such high-caliber athletes confirms the Navicap Challenge's status as a must-attend date for inclusive sailing globally.
The choice of the Hansa 303 boat is central to the event's philosophy. Designed for double-handed sailing, it is accessible to a wide range of participants—from seasoned competitors to novices and mixed-ability teams. It demands precise boat handling and flawless communication between crew members. The Yacht Club de Monaco's fleet of these boats is supported by member Elena Sivoldaeva, reflecting the club's enduring commitment to making sailing accessible to all.
This year's event also highlighted the club's investment in youth development, with a strong contingent from the YCM Sports Section, including sailors like Nicolas Rostagni and Gabriel Lanteri Gaglio, taking part and gaining invaluable experience.
