Monaco Optimist Team Race kicks-off today

by Isabelle Andrieux 10 Jan 2019 06:50 GMT 10-13 January 2019

16 teams, 16 nations totalling 64 sailors under-14 have descended on the Principality for the 10th Monaco Optimist Team race, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of FxPro, Eventica, Fon and Peace and Sport.

This original match race format in teams of four Optimists encourages team-work and has proved extremely popular over the years with clubs from all over the world vying to participate.

This year, alongside youngsters from the Royal Cape Yacht Club (South Africa) and Yacht Club Punta del Este (Uruguay), YCM is hosting a Chinese team from the Visun Royal Yacht Club, a La Belle Classe Destinations member, here to compete for the very first time in a European regatta.

Ahead of the event and to support teams keen to brush-up on their team racing skills, the YCM has already organised two training days.

Racing starts at 12 noon with a first Monaco-China match.

It promises to be a highly competitive event. The Finnish team from Helsingfors Segelklubb HSK, winner last year, is back and determined to take the title for a second time, but may have to face the redoubtable Swedes from the Royal Swedish Yacht Club, current European Champions in the discipline.

As well as the sports aspect, it is a great opportunity for these young sailors to meet others of their age equally passionate about sailing, from many different cultures and backgrounds, all united in a spirit of friendship and solidarity.

Programme: (subject to change)

Thursday 10th January 2019
8.30-10.00am: Registration
11.00am: Briefing (Meeting Room - Quay Level)
12 noon: First warning signal
6.30pm: Official Opening Ceremony (Aquarama Riva Bar Deck 5)

Friday 11th January 2019
10.00am: First warning signal
6.30pm: Talk by Vicky Ellis (Meeting Room Quay Level)

Saturday 12th January 2019
10.00am: First warning signal
Evening at leisure

Sunday 13th January 2019
10.00am: First warning signal
4.00pm: Prize-giving (Meeting Room Quay Level)

For more information visit www.yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/regattas-events/20-19/motr