It took one small point to clinch victory, as Act 3 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series went down to the wire from 16-19 January. Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with clothing supplier SLAM, at the instigation of Valentin Zavadnikov, these monthly regattas have for the last seven years put on a fine show in Monaco’s bay. The 45 teams of 13 nationalities who had made the trip were not disappointed, with five races completed in optimal conditions ranging from a 5-12 knot westerly, ending on a 10-14 knot easterly. For the 180 sailors, it was another opportunity to experience the race area that is set to host the J/70 World Championship in October 2021. A dress rehearsal which drew international competitors like the Corinthian team from the Seattle Yacht Club, as well as 11 Nordic teams including four from Sweden, one from Finland and one from Denmark. The Russians on Arttube, led by the talented Valeriya Kovalenko, pulled out all the stops in an attempt to snatch victory, but two race wins and a second were not enough to dethrone Charles Thompson’s men on Brutus. They may be in the Corinthian category, but proved they have what it takes at the highest level. Impeccable from start to finish, the English Royal Southern Yacht Club team kept up the pressure throughout the three days, showing remarkable consistency: 2,2,4,3,5. It was the Danes on Upupup who grabbed third to complete the podium, equal on points with Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G Spottino) from the Yacht Club de Monaco. Among the Monegasque entrants, Junda led by Ludovico Fassitelli fought hard to stay in contact with the leaders, but were foiled by a 19th place and finished sixth overall. This weekend’s win was enough to propel Brutus to the top of the provisional ranking for the Winter Series with 43 points under their belts after 15 races. Junda, who had led the fleet after the first two Acts, is not finished yet and lies in second place. Winners in 2017 and 2018, Arttube have their sights set on a triple, and their second place this weekend takes them onto the third step of the provisional podium after three Acts.
Act 3 ranking – Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series
1st: Charles Thompson (Brutus) – 11 pts
2nd: Valeryia Kovalenko (Arttube) – 12 pts
3rd: Bo Bøje Pedersen (Upupup) – 28 pts
4th: Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio (G Spottino) – 28 pts
Results: www.ycm.org