Turkey secures victory in the 14th Monaco Optimist team race

Monday, January 15, 2024

The 14th Optimist Team Race crowned the Turkish team as champions, led by trainers Alican Selcik and Gokhan Durkal from the Turkish Sailing Federation. Facing off against Spain, the Turkish team of Derin (14), Eren (10), Erkut (12), and Ariela (13) claimed the top spot in the rankings. The Croatian team secured third place, having been the winners in the previous year.

Alican Selcik expressed pride in the young but formidable Turkish team, emphasizing their three-year sailing journey and continuous improvement. Selcik noted the high level of competition and their joy in securing victory.

The international event, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, featured eighteen teams of four, totaling 72 sailors under the age of 14. The competition aimed to test the participants’ mastery of the team race format, requiring concentration, precision, seamless communication, and knowledge of team match racing rules.

Olivier Campana, YCM deputy director, highlighted the significance of nurturing young talent in sailing, envisioning them as future participants in prestigious events like the America’s Cup. The event, organized in duel format between two teams, involved over 150 match race duels across four days, allowing all teams to compete against each other.

Representatives from various countries, including the USA, Sweden, Uruguay, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, France, the UK, and Monaco, participated. The competition received support from Monaco Marine, FxPro, sailing gear supplier Slam, the Erplast boatyard, and Peace and Sport.

Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club of Monaco, described the Monaco Optimist Team Race as more than just a competition, emphasizing its role in celebrating team spirit and discipline. He highlighted the event’s unique opportunity for young sailors to develop skills and build connections with peers worldwide. The Team Race format will continue to be a focal point in the Yacht Club de Monaco program, with the Optimist European Team Racing Championship scheduled for October 15-20, 2024.

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