Monaco Sportboats Winter Series, last act is started

Monaco – Perfect spring-like conditions with a brisk 12-knot south-westerly and sunshine at the tail-end of a Mistral, launched the fifth and final act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series 2015, for the 28 J/70s and 27 Melges 20s vying for the Pirogovo Cup, organized with Melges 20 Monaco Fleet Association. Alongside, the German Frers designed Smeralda 888s were competing in their Spring Challenge. Up to three races per class were held today on two courses.

In the Melges 20, the lone local team Monaco Racing Fleet led by Guido Miani, who tops the provisional ranking for the season, led the first two races from start to finish. The sight of this fleet crossing the line with spinnakers flying in less than seven minutes was a wonderful sight to see. Miani’s team is trailed by Pecceré and Nika.

In the J/70s, with their sights set on the European Championship organised on 12th to 17th October 2015 by the YCM, the foreign teams were here in force to try out the race course area in Monaco. Several starts were necessary with the whole fleet champing at the bit in a cordon on the start, proof of the technical capabilities of the crews.

At close of play today the Italian Ferdinando Battistella (Diva) leads the provisional ranking just one small point ahead of Andrea Zaoli, with Monaco Class President Jacopo Carrain (Carpe Diem) leading the pack closing in from behind.

In the Smeralda 888, the Monegasque Peter Grut (Gryphon) leads the fleet this evening ahead of a newcomer to the class, Roberto Tamburelli (Forest Grump).

Races start again tomorrow Saturday and on Sunday at 11.00am.

Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Provisional Ranking
Melges 20 – Pirogovo Cup (28 entries, after 3 races)
1. Guido Miani (Monaco Racing Fleet, Mon), 6 points
2. Mirko de Falco (Peccere, Ita), 15 points
3. Vladimir Prosixin (Nika, Rus), 17 points

J/70 (28 entries, after 2 races)
1. Ferdinando Battistella (Diva, Ita), 7 points
2. Andrea Zaoli ( ???, Ita), 8 points
3. Jacopo Carrain (Carpe Diem, Mon), 11 points

To see Marina Semenova photogallery click here.

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