Celebrating the arrival of new members and rewarding the best sailors of 2022, the Yacht Club de Monaco gathered for the traditional winter cocktail party at the presence of its President HSH Prince Albert II and Minister of State HE Mr Pierre Dartout.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome the new members in our community and it’s an important moment because our members contribute to spreading the values of the Club as well as our responsibility to tackle climate change and support ocean preservation. This year has been relevant sport-wise, as well, with the J/70 World championship which has seen more than 400 sailors from 23 nations and 90 boats competing”, Prince Albert said.

“It’s an occasion for different generations to share their passion of the sea and everyone has its own way of living that passion. It’s a moment when we can all share and discover what achievements some members have done in the year so it’s really enjoyable”, added YCM vice-president Pierre Casiraghi.  

In 2022, YCM was also active offshore with two members on the start of the 12th Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) and Oren Nataf (Rayon Vert) were competing in this legendary solo race, “We were very proud to have two boats flying the YCM flag on the start of this prestigious transatlantic,” continued the sovereign. Boris Herrmann, skipper for Team Malizia founded by Pierre Casiraghi, will be heading for Alicante in Spain for the start on January 15 of The Ocean Race, round the world in stages with crew.

The Credit Suisse Trophy for YCM Sailor of the year 2022, went to Pierrik Devic. Nominated for the first time, Devic has distinguished himself by his remarkable regularity in the J/70 classification. Crowned Vice-World Champion of the series in Monaco, he has shown extreme consistency throughout the season. “It’s a great honour and a great pleasure. I have to thank my team, it’s been a year of hard work and it’s an amazing achievement for us. For me ambience it’s very important. You can’t have a great result without a strong team and you need a great atmosphere on board which the Yacht Club is providing through the coaches and the environment”, said Devik.

At the dawn of a new year and the 70th celebrations, YCM intends to maintain its course on major sporting, environmental and innovative projects, under the aegis of the Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting, to contribute to the development of sustainable yachting.

FILE PHOTO: A view from the Yacht Club