Sound Sisters Take on Monaco: Breaking Barriers and Setting Sail
We are thrilled to introduce the Sound Sisters, a remarkable team of female sailors preparing to compete at the Trophée Virginie Hériot at the Yacht Club de Monaco from March 14th to 16th!
This prestigious all-women’s J/70 event offers an incredible opportunity for the team to compete on an international stage while championing greater opportunities for women in sailing — a cause that both they and NESS are deeply passionate about.
The Sound Sisters, composed of NESS alumnae Lily Flack, Ella Bergendahl, Ellie Menezes, and Sydney Clays, bring a wealth of talent, experience, and dedication to this event. For this team, racing is about more than just competition — it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female sailors.
As the team sets sail, NESS will be sharing their journey through blogs and social media, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their inspirational and unforgettable experience.
Meet the Sound Sisters
Lily Flack
22, from Stonington, CT, is a former NESS 420 race coach and a passionate advocate for both sailing and environmental stewardship.
A recent graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she competed as a varsity sailor, Lily inspires her students to appreciate and protect the ocean.
This spring, she will coach high school sailing at The Williams School while pursuing her dream of becoming an occupational therapist.
Ella Bergendahl
22, from Noank, CT, has been sailing since childhood. She was involved with NESS and MudRatz programs and recently graduated from American University with a degree in International Relations and Global Health.
As a coach at Wadawanuck Yacht Club, Ella has spent summers mentoring young sailors and inspiring the next generation. She was the inaugural winner of the “Women at the Helm” series aboard a Melges 24 and continues to race locally in Fishers Island Sound.
Ellie Menezes
18, from Groton, CT, is no stranger to NESS. She progressed through our sailing programs, from Optis to C420s, and gave back to the community as a volunteer sailing instructor — with a special focus on accessible sailing and our Marine Mavens program. A 2024 graduate of Fitch High School, Ellie was instrumental in revitalizing the Fitch Sailing Team.
Her impressive sailing resume includes competing with MudRatz Youth Sailing Team and participating in the 2022 Newport to Bermuda Race alongside NESS family members Lily Flack, Cole Brauer, and board member Michael Hennessy.
Now a freshman at Wesleyan University, Ellie hopes to become a navigator in The Ocean Race, combining her passions for math and sailing.
Sydney Clays
25, from Westerly, RI, has deep roots in NESS — first as a student, then as a sailing and marine science educator. Sydney’s love for the ocean led her to earn her master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island.
Now working at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, she plays a critical role in environmental emergency response, protecting public health and the marine environment.
Race Updates
Day 1 - Friday, March 14
The Sound Sisters are holding their own in a highly competitive fleet in the Trophée Virginie Hériot - They are currently leading their division and tied for second place overall!
"During three races sailed by three groups, trends are emerging but it’s clear there is everything to play for over the next couple of days. This evening the Brits from Royal Thames Yacht Club have the advantage. Hard on their heels, equal on points is the American Team Sound Sisters from MudRatz, then the German Boddensprotten from Regatta Verein Greifswald."
View the Official Yacht Club de Monaco Day 1 Summary, here.
Day 2 - Saturday, March 15
The Sound Sisters are holding strong in 2nd place overall - fighting hard, sailing fast, and making waves!
View the Official Yacht Club de Monaco Day 2 Summary, here.
Day 3 - Sunday, March 16
The Sound Sisters team competed fiercely but were ultimately edged out of the podium, finishing just outside the top three.
"On the last day, a breezy 15-20 knot westerly transformed the race area and the rankings...The team from across the Channel won the Gold group as expected, with the Swiss from Lausanne Sailing Club pulling off a superb performance to come second by winning the last race of the event. Meanwhile, the German Boddensprotten team from Regatta Verein Greifswald finally managed to dislodge the American Sound Sisters team to stand on the third step of the podium."
Race Summaries
- Yacht Club de Monaco Trophée Virginie Hériot: "Well Deserved Win for Royal Thames Yacht Club"
- WindCheck Magazine: "Sound Sisters Take Monaco"
"After 3 days of racing, Team Sound Sisters finished in 4th place overall, just 1 point shy of the podium. We are beyond lucky to have experienced one of the most beautiful places in the world surrounded by the most humble and kind women. 💖 As a team, we made so many friends, memories, and reels throughout our trip." - The Sound Sisters
The Sound Sisters gave it their all in challenging conditions, and regardless of the final results, their skill, determination, and teamwork were truly inspiring. NESS is so proud of this team for representing with strength and spirit on the international stage!
Photos courtesy of Yacht Club de Monaco.
Follow Along!
We couldn’t be more excited to support this inspiring team with such strong ties to the NESS family. They are role models for aspiring sailors, demonstrating the power of perseverance, teamwork, and determination, and reflecting the core values we aim to instill in all our students.
Follow NESS on social media and subscribe to our email newsletters to witness their adventure as they break barriers and inspire the future of women in sailing!
To learn more about the all-women J/70 regatta, visit the Yacht Club de Monaco website.
