Twenty-three all-female crews are expected in Monaco for the Virginie Hériot Trophy from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October, with a change of boat adding a new challenge to this year’s competition.
Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with FxPro and North Sails, the regatta will be contested on RS21s for the first time, replacing the J/70s used last year. Teams will share identical boats supplied by organisers, putting their ability to adapt at the centre of the race.
The international line-up includes crews from the United States, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Italy, and France. American entries include teams from the Manhattan Yacht Club, Indian Harbor Yacht Club, and New York Yacht Club.
Monaco will field three teams, with members of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Pink Wave collective among those competing at home.
NEW TEST FOR DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
The Royal Thames Yacht Club returns to defend its title after a strong performance in March 2025, when the British team won all three opening-day races on its way to securing victory. Lausanne Sailing Club finished second, followed by the German Boddensprotten team from Regatta Verein Greifswald.
This year’s switch to RS21s introduces a new variable for the defending champions and their rivals. With every crew adapting to the same boat, getting to grips with its handling could prove decisive.
For Monaco’s entrants, familiarity with the water offers a potential advantage, although they face a field of experienced international competitors.
HONOURING A SAILING PIONEER
The trophy celebrates Virginie Hériot, the French yachtswoman known as Madame de la Mer, whose achievements helped establish her place in sailing history.
At the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, Hériot won gold alongside the French crew aboard Aile VI in the 8 Metre class. The following year, the same yacht defeated British opposition to win the Coupe de France.
Previously held under the name ‘Women Leading & Sailing’, the Monaco event was renamed the Virginie Hériot Trophy in 2025 after its first two editions, honouring her legacy through a competition dedicated to female sailors.
The first warning signal is scheduled for 1pm on Friday 16th October, with racing starting at 11am on Saturday and Sunday.
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Photo source: Yacht Club de Monaco