Palermo-Montecarlo 2024 Yacht Race Prizegiving Ceremony Highlights
The prize-giving ceremony for the Palermo-Montecarlo regatta is a joyful celebration, bringing together the memories of sailing and the camaraderie shared among friends and competitors. The 19th edition of this prestigious event, organized by Circolo della Vela Sicilia alongside the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Yacht Club de Monaco, was no exception. The awards ceremony took place on the main deck of the Yacht Club de Monaco, where the evening unfolded with a lively atmosphere filled with awards, prizes, trophies, a buffet, music, and dancing that continued well into the night.
This year’s Palermo-Montecarlo regatta witnessed remarkable achievements, including a new record set by the yacht Black Jack, which completed the race in an impressive 44 hours, 34 minutes, and 14 seconds. The regatta had 51 registered boats, with 45 starters from 12 nations, showcasing a mix of experienced sailors and talented newcomers. Prominent figures such as Bouwe Bekking, Simon Doubney, and Michele Regolo contributed to the vibrant competition, alongside a dedicated management team led by Race Director Giancarlo Crevatin.
A noteworthy aspect of this edition was the collaboration between the organizing clubs and Fondazione Sicilia, aimed at promoting the ROSALIA400 project. This initiative celebrates the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the remains of the city’s patron saint, enhanced by support from the European project CHANGES, emphasizing cultural heritage and sustainability.
During the awards ceremony, attendees celebrated the achievements of numerous sailors and teams. Notable winners included:
Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita Trophy: Awarded to the Black Jack 100, owned by Remon Vos, for setting the new official record of 44 hours, 34 minutes, and 14 seconds. The trophy was presented to skipper Tristan Le Brun by Alberto Tasca d’Almerita.
- Angelo Randazzo Perpetual Challenge Trophy: Presented to the Swan 42 Be Wild, owned by Renzo Grottesi, as the first in corrected time in the largest fleet, the IRC category. The award was given by Marina Semilia Randazzo.
On the IRC podium, the sailors ranked as follows:
- Be Wild (first place)
- Sagola Lauria (second place) – Farr 45 owned by Fornich, Battiston, and Sorrentino.
- Neomind (third place) – German Neo 430 owned by Sasha Shrieder.
In the ORC category, the results were:
- Be Wild (first place)
- Selene (second place) – Swan 42, skippered by Edoardo Bonanno.
- Neomind (third place) – again recognized for its excellence.
Additional awards included:
- Per Due Classification: The JPK 1080 Colombre, crewed by Massimo Juris and Paolo Cavezzan.
- First Class40 Boat: Tyrolit, skippered by Matteo Sericano and Luca Rosetti.
- Maxi Category: The winner in corrected time was Lucky, owned by Byron Erharth from the New York Yacht Club.
For the Porto Cervo gate passages in corrected time, the first Maxi was Balthasar, followed by Be Wild as the leader in both the IRC and ORC categories, and Scricca, a Comet 38S by Mario Rosso, winning in the ORC group 2.
The Emanuele Bruno Trophy, awarded to the first Sicilian boat to finish in Monte Carlo in real time, went to Selene, under the leadership of Edoardo Bonanno.
Looking forward, the organization is excited about the upcoming 20th edition of the Palermo-Montecarlo regatta in 2025. Plans are already underway to ensure the event honors its milestone anniversary with special surprises, unique invitations, and new highlights. The enthusiastic commitment of the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, along with its partners, guarantees that the approach to August 2025 will be filled with anticipation and excitement for sailors and spectators alike.
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.