Second weekend kicks off

More one designs take the waters off Monaco this weekend for the Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse

The second weekend of the 23rd Primo Cup – Trophée Credit Suisse, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, kicks off today with the first race scheduled to start at 1pm. Six one-design categories are taking part over the next three days: H22, Mumm 30, Melges 24, First 40.7, Bénéteau 25 and Smeralda 888.

The regattas this year have attracted a record number of participants, with more than 230 boats registered. This weekend, in the Mumm 30 class, 18 boats are taking part, representing eight nations including Russia and America. Success at the Primo Cup counts towards the championship in France for this class so the French teams will be particularly keen to excel.

In the Melges 24 there are 23 competitors from five nations, while the First 40.7 counts 17 including Scottish newcomer Julian Mackenzie. Representing the Bénéteau 25 is a fleet of 11 Platu 25s from France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. Meanwhile, the Smeralda 888 welcomes two new teams, including one from the Yacht Club de Monaco, K-zi Mo d’eau.

Finally, if the quality of entries is anything to go by, the H22 series is going to be a particularly hard fought contest. Among the sailors here are Italian Marco Guerra, World Champion 2002 on the maxi Morning Glory; Michele Voghi winner of the H22 2006 circuit; and Daniel Schroff, fresh from victory in the Mini Volvo Cup.

The programme for the weekend is as follows:
Friday 9th February
1pm: 1st race of the day
5.30pm: Welcome cocktail (by invitation)
5.45pm: Launch of the First 40.7 Delliantrice, in the presence of Gilles Panizzi
8pm: Cocktail Warner Bros (by invitation)
8.30pm: Bénéteau evening (by invitation)

Saturday 10 February
10am: 1st race of the day
6.30pm: ERI Pasta Party (for crew members only)
7pm: Launch of the new Smeralda 888 of the YCM (by invitation)

Sunday 11 February
10am: 1st race of the day
6pm: Prize-giving