MONACO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Another intense edition of the ‘Virginie Hériot Trophy’, the prestigious all-female sailing competition organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco, has come to an end. For three days, 21 teams from nine nations competed aboard J/70s, confirming the growing international interest in women’s sailing. The event, held under the aegis of the French and Monegasque Sailing Federations with the support of FxPro, welcomed teams from around the world, including four American crews, one of which represented the prestigious ‘Manhattan Yacht Club’.
A key role in the growth and organization of the event was played by ‘Pink Wave’, a collective of female sailors from YCM that has been a reference point for international women’s sailing for six years. Initially known as ‘Women Leading & Sailing’, the event was renamed to honor Virginie Hériot, a historic figure in sailing and the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in 1928. Nicknamed “Madame de la Mer”, Hériot left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of female sailors.
Weather conditions were a key factor in the competition. On the first day, with a light easterly wind, the ‘Royal Thames Yacht Club’ dominated, winning all three races, while the American ‘Sound Sisters’ maintained a strong pace, holding onto second place. The British team continued to impose its dominance with two more victories on the second day.
On the final day, despite the arrival of a 15-.