Monte Carlo, centre of Monaco, was the glamorous setting for the bi-annual Monaco Classic Week, held at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco. Renowned for its light winds and waves, the event is a challenge for the heavy Skylark.
Yet again Cippino was Skylark’s major contender, joined in the line up of favourites at this event by Sir Charles Dunstone’s Blitzen. Blitzen was sailed by a very good crew with a lot of America’s Cup experience including Matt Cornwall and Chris Mason. She was helmed for the week by Sir Keith Mills.
The first race Skylark sailed incredibly well winning line honours against the much lighter Cippino, helmed by Argentinian Olympic Medalist and multiple World Champion.
Race 2 was just as challenging. Skylark started well then got on the wrong side of a wind shift. She fought back as the wind died completely and moved up her position to mid-fleet. However the wind then died completely and the race was abandoned.
Squiffy Hawkins lectures Sir Keith Mills & Friends following his line honours win
The last race was again incredibly shifty. Both Skylark and Cippino sailed right round the becalmed fleet out to see and looked to have a massive lead. Then the wind came in strong from the east allowing all the becalmed boats to overtake Skylark. After finally rounding the windward mark, Skylark managed to sail a better course in the light winds and again over took Blitzen, Manitou and all her competitors (except … you guessed it … Cippino!). A long reach in light winds allowed Skylark to extend on those behind securing her another 2nd Place Overall.
It was a great achievement at an event which really doesn’t favour heavier boats.
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