Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series got this season of monthly regattas off to a cracking start, with the level of participants higher than ever. Changeable weather over the three days of racing tested the wind-reading skills of the best tacticians and muscles of all in the rougher conditions. But with six races completed, the 30-plus J/70 teams from all over Europe, representing 16 nationalities, were happy. In a commanding position from day 1, Brutus skippered by Charles Thompson from Great Britain is the big winner of Act 1, thanks to a consistent performance including two race wins and two second places. Local sailor and YCM member Ludovico Fassitelli at the helm of Junda – Banca del Sempione clinched second, ahead of a multiple-winner of this Winter Series, the Russian boat Art Tube led by Valeria Kovalenko. Important also to mention Merci Coach, Mistral and Young Team Monaco, all three manned by young Monegasque teams who pulled off some good results in individual races despite the difficult conditions. Lastly, the all-female crew on another Monaco boat, Jehol, were admirably consistent, auguring well for the next Acts as they get into their stride. There are plenty of newcomers for this seventh edition, raising the bar ever higher and giving an idea of future leaders for the J/70 World Championship 2021 in Monaco. For complete details, visit www.yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/home-en/.