Venezia, 27 June 2021. Ciao Pais for the Vintage category and Nembo II for the Classic category are the winners of the VIII Trofeo Principato di Monaco le Vele d'Epoca in Laguna Coppa BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management, an event promoted by Anna Licia Balzan, Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco in Venice and by the Tourism and Congress Directorate of the Principality of Monaco in Milan. Ciao Pais (Società Trestina della Vela) was ahead of Serenity (1936) and Gilla (1950), while Nembo II (Yacht Club Adriaco) got the better of Auriga (1971) and Shahrazad (1970).
The Trophy, organised in collaboration with Yacht Club Venezia and Circolo Velico Il Portodimare, was held under the sporting direction of Mirko Sguario and under the patronage of A.I.V.E., the Italian Vintage Sails Association. The Race Committee was headed by A.I.V.E. President Pier Maria Giusteschi Conti, assisted by National Judge Giancarlo Frizzarin, Emilia Barbieri and Massimiliano Cervelli.
This year's regatta set a record with over thirty participating boats built between the early 20th century and the early 2000s. The boats were divided into six categories (Classics, Vintage, Untrimmed boats, Passers, Spirit of Tradition, Spirit of Tradition A).

Ciao Pais and Nembo II win the 8th Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management Cup

CLASSIFICATION: In the category "non tonnage boats" the 15 Metre S.I. (International Tonnage) Mariska (1908) won in real time, followed by Palaia Tyche (1963) and Jason (1970). Among the Sparrows victory of Aspasia (1950) who got the better of Capriccio (1981) and Persefone (1965). In the Spirit of Tradition category Mozart (1984) won over Isabella (1999) and Tiziana IV (2002). In the Spirit of Tradition 'A' the podium went to Quasar (1986), followed by Moretto (1977) and Agos (1976).  
On Saturday the boats took part in the first regatta on a triangle course in the waters off the Lido, while on Sunday morning they headed towards St Mark's Basin for the traditional parade, confirming once again that only Venice can offer the public unrepeatable views. This year the spectacle was truly extraordinary: the public was able to admire the Palinuro, the beautiful three-masted schooner of the Italian Navy, sailing just a few metres from the shores accompanied by the procession of the Ladies of the Sea and the historical Rivas present for the event in the lagoon. The second race of the Trophy then got underway, a 7-mile coastal race that saw the participation of the Palinuro, a true Queen of the Sea thanks to her 69 metres of length! 

Ciao Pais and Nembo II win the 8th Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management Cup
Ciao Pais and Nembo II win the 8th Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management Cup
Ciao Pais and Nembo II win the 8th Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management Cup
Ciao Pais and Nembo II win the 8th Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management Cup

The event ended with the prize-giving ceremony in the Arsenale. The first three winners in each category received prizes from the prestigious Barovier & Toso brand.
We are now at the eighth edition of the Trophy, the sixth for vintage sails," emphasised Anna Licia Balzan, "and it is amazing to see it being improved and renewed every year. The commitment of Prince Albert II, who has always been active in promoting the protection of the planet and its waters, has been an example to me, which I wanted to put into practice through sailing, a healthy and environmentally friendly sport that brings magnificent boats and the most authentic seafaring fair play to blend in perfectly with the unique setting of the Serenissima. Once again for this edition, we have been able to count on the important support of BNL-BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management, who have stood by us to give a sign of confidence and a new start."
"I am more than satisfied - comments Mirko Sguario - on the one hand the regatta continues to grow, scoring a new record of high-level attendance, and on the other hand its value is recognised, since it was hosted inside the Arsenal and included in the celebrations for the 1600 years of the city. Over time, the Principality of Monaco Trophy has confirmed its potential to be one of the events with a long tradition that enhances the role of the boating industry by allowing people to get to know the Ladies of the Sea, true works of art of naval engineering, at close quarters. I would like to thank the Municipality, represented here by the Councillor for Tourism Simone Venturini, the Italian Navy, Vela Spa, the Boat Show, and all those who, driven by their passion for the sea, have stood by me and contributed to the success of this event".
"BNL BNP Paribas Private Banking & Wealth Management" - commented Stefano Schrievers, Head of Wealth Management Italy BNL BNP Paribas - "is once again this year the main partner of the 8th Trofeo Principato di Monaco le Vele d'Epoca in Laguna, aware of the cultural and economic value of this event, which enhances the strong maritime tradition of Venice and Italy in general. A tradition from which, in this field as in others, derives the value and quality of Italian knowledge, skill and art, today recognised throughout the world. Our Wealth Management combines the diverse specialisations of an international group such as BNP Paribas, with the ability to be close to our clients through BNL's network in Italy, in order to provide a 360° integrated approach in a high added value environment."
Diadora, Nature's, Dolomia and Alilaguna have also confirmed their support for the event in this edition.
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