After their victory in 2020, the American national team clinched another win at the 12^th Monaco Optimist Team Race that saw 60 young sailors out on the water from 15 nations. Organized by Yacht Club de Monaco with support from FxPro, Eventica, Fonbet, technical clothing supplier Slam and boatyard Erplast, this regatta has been key for international sailors in this discipline since 2010.

“It was a huge success. By putting our club at the service of youth, we are building the future. It’s about passing on a passion,” said YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. “Seeing these youngsters from different backgrounds interacting and creating bonds of friendship sends a strong message of peace, which is a major aspect of our Club’s Monaco Capital of Yachting approach.”

Conquerors from the start

As an event that attracts the Optimist team racing elite, performances were up to par. To last in this competition, sailors gave their all during 105 matches in the round robin, a format that never fails to leave its mark as it did on Alonso Martinez from Chile: “I am overwhelmed to be here. I’ve met so many people that I may never have the chance to meet again. It’s been very exciting.”

On paper, predictions were already taking shape even before the first duel. Strong on strategy, the Americans laid their cards on the table from the start, boosted by the presence of Gil Hackel, World Vice-Champion 2021. The results say it all: 14 wins out of 14 match races, a domination without equal that swept them into the semi-finals, confident against the Germans. “We came here to win. We’ve worked hard to get here,” explained a delighted Gil Hackel.

Exchanges without borders

Many teams travelled far, like the sailors from Club Escuela Deportes Náuticos Puerto Williams in southern Chile, 13,035km from home, competing for the first time in the Monaco Optimist Team Race. Also from South America were the Uruguayans from the Punta del Este Club, who saw this as an opportunity to celebrate its close friendship ties with Yacht Club de Monaco, as evidenced by the warm welcome the Punta del Este Club extended to the Boréal 47 Sir Ernst on its stopover as part of its second expedition to the Antarctic.

Podium Monaco Optimist Team Race 2022:
1^st:  US National Team (USA)
2^nd: Jedriličarski Klub Uljanik (Croatia)
3^rd: Chiemsee Yacht Club (Germany)