From 29th November to 1st December 2024, around 60 participants, including experienced sailors and aficionados, able-boded and with a disability, will be meeting in Monaco Bay for the 2nd Navicap Challenge – Trophée Elena Sivoldaeva. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, this event takes place ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated every year on 3rd December. This initiative is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that also aim to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities.
“Today, sailing aims to be an all-inclusive sport that allows diverse crews to work together, including people with disabilities,” says YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. The event is part of the collective ‘Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting’ initiative and upholds the transmission values so dear to YCM. The first edition last year was a big success showing how much enthusiasm there is for this type of regatta. It also reinforced YCM’s actions to make sailing accessible to all, by promoting inclusion and valuing the wonderful sense of freedom that this sport gives, whatever the challenges for individuals.
Teams from England, France and Monaco will be out on the water for this second edition. Ahead of them lies three days of racing on Hansa 303 boats, specially designed to be accessible to everyone. YCM has been able to purchase two thanks to the generosity of donor member Elena Sivoldaeva. Crews of two, able-bodied or disabled sailors, can sail together on them.
Les concurrents s’affronteront sur des parcours en triangle sur le plan d’eau monégasque, selon un format de course structuré en deux étapes : des phases de qualification suivies des phases finales. Une phase qualificative complète, appelée “Round Robin”, est validée lorsque tous les groupes se sont affrontés une fois. À l’issue de cette étape, les équipages ayant cumulé le moins de points accéderont au “Rond Or”. En cas d’ex-aequo, le résultat de la dernière course départagera les équipes. Les autres équipages seront répartis dans les catégories “Argent”, “Bronze” et “Vermeil” en suivant la même règle.
À chaque déplacement, la Garde républicaine tisse des liens uniques, et cette escale au Yacht Club de Monaco ne fait pas exception.
The main objective is to share the joys of sailing in a spirit of helping each other and solidarity. Accessibility through learning is also key with specially trained professionals on hand to supervise sailors with disabilities, so everyone gets to discover sailing in optimal conditions in an inclusive and caring environment.
It all kicks off with the first race on Friday 29th November at 2.00pm. A wonderful opportunity to share a sport together while respecting diversity.
