The first round of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series wrapped-up this week with a commanding victory for local sailor Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio aboard G-Spot.

Twenty-three J/70 crews competed for three days of back-to-back racing, from November 6th to 9th, putting up with shifting weather patterns that demanded tactical flexibility.

Serena di Lapigio, who sails out of Yacht Club de Monaco, seized control from early on and never looked back. His crew won five races, and maintained strong form throughout, finishing nine points ahead of the nearest competition, the Italian team on Alice.

Meanwhile, the French squad sailing Euro-Voiles secured third place after a particularly impressive performance on the final day. However, the battle for positions remains wide open, with minimal points separating the leading ten boats heading into the next round.

In the amateur Corinthian division, Euro-Voiles again came out on top, through Swiss teams Tarte-3Nuits.com and Rhubarbe-3Nuits.com pushed them hard with several races finishing in tight clusters.

The winter championship is a crucial preparation ahead of the 42nd Primo Cup-Trophée UBS in March, a prestigious event created by Prince Albert II.

Competition now resumes December 4th to 7th for Act II, where  judging from how close in points the leading boats are, any mistake could prove costly.

However, for now, the Yacht Club turns its attention to the Navicap Challenge scheduled for later this month from November 28th to 30th, an inclusive regatta where sailors with and without disabilities compete together in Hansa 303 dinghies.

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Main photo credit: YCM