A Thrilling Finale: Black Jack Sets a New Record at the Palermo-Montecarlo Race

In a breathtaking conclusion to one of the most anticipated and windiest editions of the Palermo-Montecarlo race, Remon Vos' 100ft maxi yacht Black Jack not only claimed line honors but also shattered the race record. This event marked the grand finale of the International Maxi Association’s (IMA) 2023-24 Mediterranean Maxi Offshore Challenge (MMOC), bringing a sensational close to the racing season.

Here’s what made headlines:

• Black Jack Breaks the Record: Under the new ownership of Remon Vos, the 100ft yacht sailed to victory, setting a new benchmark by completing the race in 44 hours, 34 minutes, and 14 seconds.
• Lucky Wins Maxi Class under IRC: Bryon Ehrhart's 88ft Lucky showcased a stellar performance, securing the Maxi Class win under IRC corrected time, despite finishing 43 minutes and 11 seconds behind Black Jack.
• Strategic Navigational Decisions: The race was a tactical battle against winds and waves, with each yacht making strategic moves, especially around the mandatory scoring gate off Porto Cervo and past Corsica.
• Team Efforts and Tactics: Both teams displayed exceptional skill, with Black Jack leveraging its light wind capabilities and Lucky utilizing its powerful hull to dominate upwind and reaching conditions.

Event Highlights

The 19th Palermo-Montecarlo race, organized by Circolo della Vela Sicilia (CVS) in collaboration with Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), saw over 50 yachts embark from Mondello. Among them, five maxis fiercely competed, with all eyes on the intense duel between Black Jack and Lucky.

Black Jack, stepping into the race with its new owner aboard for the first time, displayed exceptional synergy among its crew, a mix of French, Dutch, and Australian members. Lucky, on the other hand, arrived with a brand-new rig, eager to make amends for the previous year's dismasting misfortune.

The race unfolded with strategic brilliance, as both yachts navigated through challenging conditions, including a mistral to the west of Sardinia and a complex wind pattern near Corsica. The competition was neck and neck until Black Jack managed to seize an opportunity to pass Lucky and maintain the lead, ultimately setting a new race record.

Reflecting on the Race

Tristan le Brun, skipper of Black Jack, expressed immense satisfaction with the victory, highlighting the competitive spirit and the effective use of their yacht's capabilities in lighter winds. Joca Signorini, the tactician aboard Lucky, praised the intense competition and the crew's efforts to sail accurately and competitively.

The 2023 Palermo-Montecarlo race not only celebrated the prowess and strategic minds of the participating crews but also underscored the spirit of competitive sailing. As the yachting community looks forward to the announcement of the IMA’s MMOC winner, the memories of this thrilling race will undoubtedly linger, showcasing the passion and dedication that define the sport of sailing.