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Day: 25 November 2025

Navicap Challenge – Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva returns to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
25/11/2025

The countdown is on for the third edition of the Navicap Challenge – Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva, taking place from 28th to 30th November. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) with the support of FxPro and North Sails, this inclusive regatta is once again set to welcome a broad mix of sailors to the waters of Monaco.

More than just a sporting event, the Navicap Challenge unites able-bodied and disabled sailors, professionals and amateurs, to race together on equal terms. The competition is held annually in advance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December and is part of Monaco’s larger initiative: Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting.

“Sailing is all about people. On a boat everyone finds their place and their role in making it work,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

growing international participation

Participation has nearly doubled since last year, with around 60 teams expected from across Europe. Crews will be travelling from England, Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium and of course Monaco, underscoring the regatta’s increasing international appeal.

All teams will race using Hansa 303 dinghies, a class of boat designed specifically to accommodate all levels of mobility. Thanks to the support of YCM member Elena Sivoldaeva, the club now has two of these adaptable vessels. Each dinghy can be sailed by a pair—whether both sailors are able-bodied, both have a disability, or are a mixed team—ensuring a fair and competitive experience for all.

a format built for excitement

The regatta will be run in a round robin format, with teams racing on a triangular course. Each group races against all others before being split into four categories—Gold, Silver, Bronze or Vermeil—based on their results. In the event of a tie, the final race will determine the winner, ensuring suspense and competitive spirit throughout the weekend.

racing for more than a result

While competition is at the heart of the Navicap Challenge, the event is also about community and discovery. With experienced supervisors, specialised equipment and tailored coaching, the environment allows sailors of all abilities to enjoy racing at the highest level, while learning from and supporting one another.

event schedule

The first warning signal will sound at 2:00pm on Friday 28th November. Races will continue at 11:00am on both Saturday and Sunday, as competitors and spectators alike celebrate the transformative power of sailing—on and off the water.

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The Animal Fund to mark 10 years of ocean protection with Monaco gala

by: Cassandra Tanti
25/11/2025

Marine conservation charity The Animal Fund (TAF) will celebrate its 10th anniversary this December with a black-tie gala at the Yacht Club de Monaco, highlighting a decade of education, activism and international advocacy for ocean protection.

Founded in 2015, TAF has grown into an international non-profit registered in five countries, working to safeguard marine life and combat threats such as plastic pollution, overfishing and whaling. Over the past decade, the organisation says it has conducted more than 500 conferences, partnered with 70 schools and 19 universities, and led over 60 major beach and ocean clean-ups.

“We are deeply grateful to our supporters and proud of the impact achieved together,” said founder Berit Legrand. “From implementing whale and ocean protection guidelines to engaging directly with whaling nations, TAF has shown that collective action can drive change.”

Global reach from Monaco to the world

Headquartered in Monaco, TAF’s influence extends well beyond the Principality. The charity has organised over 280 public events and launched 60 awareness campaigns, addressing issues from harmful cosmetics to the dangers of single-use plastics. Its work with schools has placed education at the heart of its mission, aiming to inspire what it calls “the next generation of ocean guardians”.

A milestone celebration

The anniversary gala on 4th December at the Yacht Club de Monaco will feature a champagne reception, dinner, live performances and an auction, with all proceeds directed exclusively to TAF’s conservation programmes. Tickets are limited and early reservations are encouraged, with organisers stressing that every contribution will support frontline work rather than administration costs.

Guests can expect an evening that blends glamour with purpose, while reflecting on a decade of progress and setting a course for the next ten years of advocacy. “This milestone is not just about celebrating the past,” said Legrand. “It is about looking forward with renewed purpose and unity in our mission to protect the ocean.”

For bookings, click here.

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This article was originally published on 10th October 2025.