Anticipating the Ultimate Winner
After Record-Breaking Performances, Excitement Builds in Monte Carlo as Overall Winner Awaits
20-25 August 2024
Key nights, days, and hours for the 19th edition of the Palermo-Monte Carlo offshore sailing regatta organized by the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Following remarkable performances, including Line Honours and a record-breaking run from Black Jack 100, the maxi 72 Balthasar owned by Louis Balcaen crossed the finish line third after completing 542 miles in about 56 hours. As with previous arrivals, Balthasar received a warm welcome at the Yacht Club de Monaco, complete with the traditional bottle of Brut Tasca D’Almerita and a hearty buffet on land.
The third day of the race, Friday 23 August, commenced early with three boats finishing in rapid succession. The VO70 Sisi, the Botin 56 Black Pearl, and the TP52 Red Bandit all crossed the finish line within approximately 68 hours of racing. These crews were greeted with celebratory bottles and applause, as is customary in the Palermo-Montecarlo tradition.
Be Wild Provisional Overall Leader
The day’s decisive arrivals occurred between 15:10 and 15:48, with four boats competing for victory in corrected time since the very first miles. Be Wild, the Swan 42 helmed by Renzo Grottesi and featuring an experienced crew including former Laser Olympic champion Michele Regolo, crossed the finish line first in 75 hours and 10 minutes, securing a provisional lead in both IRC (the largest category awarding the Angelo Randazzo Trophy) and ORC.
Just two minutes later, Neomind, a Neo 430 helmed by German Sasha Shroeder, arrived with a crew that included Italians Enrico Zennaro and Manuel Polo, finishing eighth in real time and provisional third in both IRC and ORC. Shortly thereafter, Selene, another Swan 42 from the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, used an unexpected approach from the East to overtake Sagola Lauria, crossing the finish line a remarkable 15 minutes later and placing provisional second in ORC.
Following these arrivals, there was a brief interlude before another evening filled with close finishes. Upcoming arrivals include the Ker 40 Chenapan 4 of French sailor Gilles Caminade, who faced strong winds around Sardinia, and Elo II, crewed by young sailors from the Yacht Club Italiano under the guidance of Pietro D’Alì. A number of other boats, including Afazik Impulse, Jacanda 3, and Tyrolit, are expected to cross the finish line throughout the night.
As of now, there are 20 boats that have arrived or are in transit, with 25 still out on the course. The dock outside the Yacht Club de Monaco is growing increasingly lively as the race progresses.
The time limit for completing the regatta expires on Sunday 25 August at 12:00. An awards ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon of the same day to conclude this memorable edition of Palermo-Montecarlo.
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.