Saturday 19 October 2024. The curtain has fallen on the Optimist European Team Racing Championship 2024, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco under the aegis of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) and World Sailing, in partnership with FxPro, Monaco Marine and SLAM. In a final full of twists and turns, the contest ended in a blaze of glory for Italy who grabbed top spot ahead of Turkey. It is their sixth title in this event and the third consecutive one.  “This event highlights values our Club holds dear: team spirit and solidarity. Italy was a prime example, never relying on one person’s effort but working as a proper team, where every decision counted,” said YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.

For four days, the 16 teams of four, totally 64 young sailors representing 16 nations, put on a great show with some ideal sailing conditions and nail-biting confrontations. The Team Race format requires two teams of four to compete in matches where strategy, communication and mastery of the rules are all-important. “It’s not because you [as an individual] crosses the line first that you’re going to win. It depends on the whole team. They have to check every little aspect, observing where all the other racers are before crossing the finish line,” explained Carmen Casco, Vice-President Europe - IODA.

Thrilling final between Italy and Turkey

From the semi-finals, the teams showed an impressive level of commitment. Having led from the start the first three days, Turkey seemed on track to lift the title, but the outstanding tenacity of the Italians turned the tide against them in the final. Combining tactical strategy and flawless communication, the Italians exploited every opportunity to outplay the Turks, unbeaten until that moment. “We won this championship against a very solid Turkish team. We are delighted as it’s our sixth championship victory and the third consecutive one. It’s very difficult to achieve such a result but we’ve worked hard for it,” said the Italians’ coach Marcello Meringolo.

Spanish complete podium

They may not have made that coveted top podium step but Turkey’s performance was exemplary, their 2nd place confirming their role as serious contenders throughout the Championship. As for the Spanish team, they were consistently good throughout the event to clinch 3rd place after a solid performance in the semis.

All eyes now turn to Yacht Club de Monaco’s upcoming events, including the Trophée Grimaldi 25-27 October followed by Act 1 of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series 7-10 November that gathers international teams.