G-SPOT Leading J/70 Monaco Winter Series 2025
(Monte Carlo, Monaco)- The very popular YC Monaco J/70 Winter Series commenced in November 2024 and will continue until the fourth and final regatta at the 41st Primo Cup- Trohpee UBS this spring in March 2025. The event has proved to be a very successful format, with more than 350 sailors coming from across Europe to set up their winter training base in the Principality of Monaco based out of the famous Yacht Club de Monaco to prepare for the upcoming season’s big meetings.
Here is the 2024/ 2025 Monaco J/70 Winter Series schedule:
Act I: 7-10 November 2024
Act II: 5-8 December 2024
Act III: 6-9 February 2025
Act IV: 6-9 March 2025 Primo Cup – UBS Trophy
Act I Report
It was a great start for this first day, contestants pulled out all the stops during an intense day of racing that saw the level of the competitive J/70 fleet go up a notch, with strategic starts and tight duels all along the course.
The spotlight was now on the Monegasque teams, led by Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio and his crew on G-SPOT who top the provisional ranking. In their wake is CHARISMA V helmed by Samuel Poons who delivered a solid performance to keep them in the top three and a pugnacious Graeme Peterson on MOONLIGHT in third, which bodes well for tight contests ahead. Stefano Roberti’s PICCININA, winner of Act 1 is in 4th this evening but his talent and perseverance could well see him back in the running for a podium finish.
In the Corinthian (amateur) category, the Swiss on RHUBARBE currently tops the leaderboard, ahead of the Italians on WHY NOT, with Matteo Scandolera’s IRRUENZA representing the YCM in 3rd.
Act II Report
Act II of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series produced a lovely weekend of racing in Monaco’s Hercules Bay. Variable conditions saw the thirty J/70 teams from seven nations having to combine strategy, precision, and flexibility to stay in the game. But, one thing is for certain, they were set on widening the gap in the rankings.
Hierarchy confirmed at the top
In a strategic duel, YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio at the helm of G-SPOT held his own with remarkable consistency. In the end, they won three of the five races completed through wise tactics and total mastery of their local race area.
Behind him, the battle for the podium was intense. While Samuel Poons’s CHARISMA V clinched a solid 2nd place, Stefano Roberti’s PICCININA grabbed 3rd place after a tightly fought tussle with MOONLIGHT II led by Graeme Peterson, also representing YCM. Indeed, the Yacht Club de Monaco can be proud of this collective performance with six member-run teams in the top ten.
In the Corinthian category (amateurs), the French on EURO-VOILES managed to overtake and make a difference to beat YCM’s Matteo Scandolerau’s IRRUENZA into 2nd with the Swiss on RHUBARBE coming in 3rd.
International reputation confirmed
While the locals pulled out all the stops, visiting teams have much to be proud of. The Swiss teams came in the first 15 alongside the Italian boats. As for the Hungarians on Rosszcsont, they made big progress and show real potential for the next stages of this winter championship. With teams from all over Europe, the circuit continues to provide a tactical challenge and training ground ahead of major events in 2025.
Technology pays off
Integration of the Vakaros ATLAS II tracking system again helped both the organizers and contestants to monitor their progress in real time during races and make adjustments. It was an innovation that is part of Yacht Club de Monaco’s ongoing quest to push the boundaries of technology to improve sailing regattas on every level.
Next meeting
Next up is Act III of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series scheduled for 6-9 February 2025. With the rankings still close, the stakes and suspense level are high. Who will succeed in maintaining their lead or cause an upset? Answers next month!
For more YC Monaco J/70 Winter Series sailing information
https://yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/ycmevents/monaco-sportsboat-winter-series/