Monaco – The curtain has fallen on the 2016/2017 Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series organised from October to March by the Yacht Club de Monaco. The Monegasque race area lit up for the final Act which attracted 250 sailors on 70 boats. Various shades of blue were to be observed throughout the event as sun, spray and a steady westerly provided favourable conditions for a superb ending.

With a total of 70 races held from October for more than 300 sailors (14 nationalities) divided into J/70, Melges 20, Star, M32 and GC32 one-design classes, the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series has established itself as a major event for many teams from eastern and northern Europe who establish their training base in the Principality to prepare for the upcoming season. An event that gives them all an opportunity to pit themselves against an international field.

J/70: Ludovico Fassitelli top of his game
With a total of 69 international teams competing this winter the Principality has become a mecca for the J/70 class. A highly-motivated Monaco J/70 Class Association presided by ?Michel Boussard with 17 boats has proved a great asset in this fast-expanding fleet.

Barely a year since he first sailed a J/70, the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda-Banca del Sempione) proved he has the golden touch. Having started in 4th at the end of the first day, he went home with the Act 5 trophy in his pocket after three days and five races, two of which he won. The Monegasques managed to upset the order, overtaking Englishman Charles Thompson (Brutus) who was 2nd. Despite some tightly-fought duels on the downwind legs and round the marks, the Swiss on Jurmo had to be content with 3rd.

The ladies were not to be outdone, with Valeriya Kovalenko (Arttube) topping the annual overall ranking for the season ahead of the Brazilians on Manda Chuva. Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda) completed the podium in 3rd. “I am so happy with what has been accomplished with my crew. We learn something new at every regatta and continue to improve. Here’s to the next meeting.”

Overall ranking for Act V of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series

J/70 (after 5 races)
1st: Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda), MON, 25 points
2nd: Charles Thompson (Brutus), GBR, 35 points
3rd: Stefan Seger (Jurmo), SUI, 36 points

Final overall ranking for the 2016/2017 Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series season

J/70 (after 21 races)
1st: Valeriya Kovalenko (Arttube), RUS, 107 points
2nd: Mario Garcia (Manda Chuva), BRA, 110 points
3rd: Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda), MON, 113 points