The Monaco Optimist Team Race came to an end on January 18, after an intense and demanding week on the Monegasque waters, with 15 teams from 12 nations competing. Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, with the support of Monaco Marine, FxPro, North Sails, Erplast, and Peace and Sport, the 14th edition confirmed the event’s unique place in the development pathway of young international sailors — who even received a visit from Monaco’s Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc.

The Italians from Yacht Club Italiano claimed victory in the overall ranking after a top-level duel with Denmark’s Danish Dynamite team, who had held the lead for much of the event. The team racing format was 4v4 boats in short races, with constant reading of the opponent’s tactics. For Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and Secretary General of the Y.C.M., the stakes go far beyond the ranking: “The young sailors know they must look beyond individual results to achieve collective success. They learn to coordinate, to interact with peers. It is extremely formative.”

Italy – Denmark: A Duel at the Top

The Danish team quickly made its mark on this edition, holding the top position in the provisional standings thanks to superior tactical awareness—a style perfectly aligned with the spirit of team racing, where the individual steps aside for the group.

But day after day, the Italians—sailing together for the first time—stayed on their rivals’ heels. Sharper and more consistent in key moments, they managed to make the difference in the final confrontations, overtaking the Danes at the very last moment to secure overall victory. “We really wanted to win, and we fought until the end to achieve it,” said Gabriele Burlando.

Both teams delivered an exceptional performance, winning all of their matchups and offering a true demonstration of team racing at its best: collective mastery, tactical intelligence, and total commitment.

The Swiss team from Gstaad Yacht Club also made the podium, unable to disrupt the established order. Following them, the Yacht Club de Monaco team finished in 8th place, gaining valuable experience against high-level international competition.

International Clinic: Learning Before Winning

The event began with three days of an International Clinic with structured training period, far from simple practice sessions. Leading this preparation was British coach Chris Atkins, a world reference in team racing with over 45 years of experience: “The goal is for them to test, make mistakes, and learn from them so they won’t repeat them during competition.”

In team racing, under the supervision of international umpires, the sailors themselves must make and acknowledge rule decisions. At this age, it is significant. “The sailors must apply the rules themselves. It requires honesty and true sportsmanship,” he said.

Since 2010, the Monaco Optimist Team Race has guided generations of young sailors. The adventure will continue next year with the 15th edition scheduled for January 13-17, 2027.

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