The prestigious Virginie Hériot Trophy, an all-female sailing competition organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), concluded on March 16th after three days of fierce racing, reaffirming the growing global interest in women’s sailing…
The event, held under the aegis of the French and Monegasque Sailing Federations with support from FxPro, saw 21 teams from nine nations compete aboard J/70s, including four American crews and representatives from the Manhattan Yacht Club.
In the Gold group, Britain’s Royal Thames Yacht Club dominated from the outset, winning all three races on the opening day in light easterly winds. Despite the arrival of a stronger 15-20 knot mistral on the final day, the team successfully defended its lead, securing overall victory. Lausanne Sailing Club from Switzerland claimed second place, while Germany’s Boddensprotten overtook the American Sound Sisters to secure third.
The Silver group was won by Cannelles 2, while the Bronze group saw YCM’s Pink Wave sailors claim victory under the leadership of Anne Rodelato, with Olympic champion Saskia Clark among the crew.
With the regatta now complete, YCM is preparing for its next major event, the Superyacht Chef Competition on April 3. Organized in collaboration with Bluewater, the contest will bring together nine chefs from superyachts ranging from 36 to 97 meters, judged by a prestigious panel led by Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Girardin. This competition, part of the Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting initiative, highlights excellence in both sailing and maritime gastronomy.
Image: Monaco Yacht Club
