Preparations are underway for the return of the Virginie Hériot Trophy—formerly known as ‘Women Leading & Sailing’—which takes place from 16th to 18th October in Monegasque waters.
The high-profile event gathers an international fleet of all-female crews competing exclusively in One-Design J/70 yachts—identical boats where success depends entirely on teamwork, strategy, and skill rather than equipment. To ensure total fairness, boats are allocated by a random draw each morning.
International fleet and tactical competition
Building on previous editions that successfully united more than 20 crews representing upwards of nine nations, the regatta draws premier talent from elite institutions worldwide. Past entries have featured prominent representation from international yacht clubs—including the Manhattan Yacht Club and Indian Harbor Yacht Club in the United States, Britain’s Royal Thames Yacht Club, and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez—alongside host teams from the Yacht Club de Monaco.
The competition unfolds across multiple phases: an initial qualification round dividing crews into groups, followed by Gold and Silver fleets based on performance, alongside a Bronze round.
A historic maritime legacy
Launched originally in 2023, the event was formally renamed to honour the legendary French sailor Virginie Hériot. Hériot secured her place in sports history at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games by becoming the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in sailing, earning the nickname Madame de la Mer.
Organisation and spectator information
The regatta is driven by the Pink Wave, a dedicated collective of 50 female racers from the Yacht Club de Monaco committed to championing women’s competitive sailing. Active across numerous international circuits, the collective is at the origin of the project and plays a driving role in the organisation and promotion of the event. The regatta operates under the official sanction and joint authority of both the Monegasque and French Sailing Federations.
Spectators can watch the races directly from the quays and the seawall. At the end of each day, the Yacht Club de Monaco publishes results, photos, and videos on its official channels and website.
Commercial backing is anchored by primary sponsor FxPro, highlighting athletic excellence and the expanding influence of women at the highest levels of international competitive sailing.
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Photo Credit: Mesi BD