(Monte Carlo, Monaco)- The Yacht Club de Monaco delighted sailing
enthusiasts as it hosted two unusual regattas in the Principality to set
the pace for the summer. With eight J/70 teams competing in a stage of
their European Match Race Tour, a total of some 50 sailors from seven
nationalities were on Quai Louis II.This year marks the return of the America’s Cup that puts the spotlight on the match race format, nail-biting one-on-one duels that rewards strategy by seasoned sailors. It’s a discipline that was popular with the YCM which is renewing ties to its past by hosting this stage of the Grade 3 European Circuit during which 24 races were run. The event was held aboard J/70s made available by members of the Yacht Club de Monaco, which has a total of 17 boats grouped under the J/70 Monaco Class Association presided by Michel Boussard.
With six wins under his belt, Simon Bertheau, French Youth Match Race Vice-Champion won the first day, having kept his adversaries in his sights and having total mastery of his boat.
Alongside
Pierrik Devic and Max Bulley, who finished 6th, the Philippe
Buchard-François Brenac (two-time champion on the French circuit) pair
also from Monaco, snatched 2nd place after some tight tactical battles.A regular at international meetings, the young Rocco Attili showed his hand on the second day to move up into 3rd, a spot he held onto on the final day.
The four-time Austrian Match Race winner, Max Trippolt, ranked 25th in the prestigious World Sailing ranking, failed to bounce back after a loss of form mid-regatta and finished 5th.
As a result, the final ranking of the European Match Race Tour Act I has Simon Bertheau from France in 1st, Philippe Buchard from YC Monaco in 2nd, and Rocco Attili from Italy in 3rd. For more YC Monaco J/70 European Match Race Tour sailing information. Add to Flipboard Magazine.
|
