With 15 nationalities and 40 teams including the best Europeans, Act 1 of the 9th Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series (4-7 November) set the tone for the season. With the J/70 World Championship in Monaco 14-22 October 2022, Act 1 of these international monthly regattas showcased the high level of this Class. Friday kicked off in style with a steady 15-18 knot easterly, sunshine and well-formed swell that saw memorable surfs under spinnaker (18 knots clocked by some). Three races were enough to reveal the level and challenges facing even the best teams, here to get to know the race area where the Worlds will be held. Monegasques also have everything to fight for as this Winter Series is a qualifier. From day one, Monegasques showed their teeth like YCM’s Ludovico Fassitelli and crew on Junda who won the event after a nail-biting five races. Even the best were too eager the first day, resulting in a series of general recalls. The Americans on Good to Go made what proved to be a wise choice in staying back, as they topped the provisional ranking that evening. Next day, those high-spirited ones held back to turn the tide and jump a few places—the Spanish on Patakin in particular making a superb comeback from 12th to second. The Americans hung on to third, with the Russians on Elf in fourth, followed by Loïc Pompee on Sailing Racing Team. It bodes well for this Monegasque, already fifth at the last European Championship. In the Corinthians, William Twomey’s Irish team on Wild Card were first, followed by Monegasque Cesare Gabasio (Tinnj70) then the Swiss on Jacqueline. For complete details, visit: yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/home/