(Monaco)- For almost 30 years, the European elite has been gathering in
Monegasque waters at the beginning of February to take part in the
Mediterranean yachting season’s biggest event in terms of the number of
participants. With almost 1,000 sailors coming from all over Europe,
representing some 15 nationalities, the Primo Cup – Trophee Credit
Suisse organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), is one of the most
important winter events in Europe, marking the start of the
international racing season in Europe and the Med.
Strong
breezes and bright sunshine marked the first weekend of sailing which
saw five very competitive series racing from Friday to Sunday for the
J/24s and other classes. International teams from all over Europe faced
tough conditions, with winds up to 30 knots from the north-east to
south-west, providing an excellent early start to the regatta season in
demanding rather wintery conditions. “I take my hat off to all the
participants, some of whom braved traffic problems caused by the wintery
weather to get here, and while it was a bit chilly this year there was
sunshine and wind in the bay of Monaco,” said a delighted Thierry Leret,
Race Committee President, at the prize-giving when all the winning
crews are presented with SLAM clothing and a pair of waterproof
binoculars with compass from Bernard Optic. No fewer than six races
were held for the one-designs, still the best format for the most
seasoned sailors when it comes to competing on a level playing field.
For
the J/24 sailors, their sights are set on the J/24 European
Championship in Monaco in 2013. What a spectacular venue! Sure to be a
popular event, J/24 sailors must remember that none other than the HRH
Prince Albert II of Monaco (and President of Yacht Club Monaco) cut his
teeth on one-design sailing in the family's principality sailing J/24s
with numerous Americans and Europeans over the course of time-- at least
a dozen years straight at last count! Prince Albert is sure to be the
gracious host yet again for the 2012 International J/24 European
Championship at Yacht Club de Monaco!In the 2012 edition, it was good to see the “southerners” clinch victory in the J/24s after several past series have been dominated by the “northerners”. The crew from ST ANDREWS SECURITIES, with François Brenac as tactician, fought off the attacks by the Swede Marianne Schoke and her team sailing JULIA. “I’ve been competing regularly in the Primo Cup for the last seven or eight years with members of the Yacht Club de Monaco. The Primo Cup is a fantastic event to kick-start the season and prepare for the big regattas later in the year. And, I am delighted to learn that Monaco will be hosting the J/24 European Championship from 6 to 12 October 2013,” said Marianne, who is also president of the J/24 European Class Association.
TOPO TOO, helmed by Claude Rodelato, finished third but the skipper was very satisfied with the result. He had a totally new team who came together specially for the Primo Cup, as his brother Jean and Blandine Medecin are currently among the leaders of the Transquadra Double-handed Transatlantic Race between Cascais (Portugal) and Le Marin (Martinique). For more J/24 Monaco Primo Cup sailing results
