(Monte Carlo, Monaco)- Since 1985, 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 - Trophée Credit
Suisse organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, is one of the most
important winter events in Europe, marking the start of the
international racing season. The Yacht Club de Monaco is celebrating the
30th edition of the Primo Cup-Trophée Credit Suisse. The regatta is conducted over two weekends with the first weekend taking place from January 31 to February 2nd with J/24s participating and the second weekend running from February 7th to 9th with the J/70 class sailing.
The sailors will be treated to highly variable weather conditions for the next three days. While Thursday and Friday will see a Low passing by to the south kicking out northeasterly winds of 20-30 kts diminishing by Friday afternoon to 10 to 17 kts northeast, the balance of the weekend looks a bit grim for breeze. After the Low depression passes by to the southeast across the Mediterranean, a High pressure sits down across the region leaving light on-shore SSW sea-breezes of 4-7 kts on Saturday and slowly increasing winds again on Sunday from the NE at 8-12 kts.
This coming weekend’s J/24 division has nineteen boats sailing. Hosted by the YC Monaco’s J/24 fleet, the J/24 has experienced the longest reign of participation in the Primo Cup; in fact, since the days that Prince Albert and friends used to regularly race J/24s off their Principality.
This year’s fleet is comprised of sailing teams from eight countries (France, Monaco, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, USA, Greece and Italy). Familiar names are amongst the entries like the three boat contingent from Great Britain’s Parkstone YC- Hitchhiker, Roger Morris and the duo of Duncan McCarthy & Steve Phelps. Joining them from GBR will be Chris McLaughlin from Royal Corinthian YC. Local top boats include Julia, Topo Too, Joker, Paget and St Andrews Securities from YC Monaco. The lone USA entry is Caner Dinlenc from Manhattan Sailing Club in New York, NY. For more YC Monaco's Primo Cup sailing information
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