Photos: Lloyd Images

In a nail-biting finale on July 30, 2025, Yacht Club de Monaco won its first-ever Admiral’s Cup. With YCM vice-president Pierre Casiraghi at the helm of Jolt 6 battling Jolt 3 helmed by Peter Harrison in a down-to-the-wire finish in the Rolex Fastnet Race. This third and final event of the Admiral’s Cup program was the ultimate stage of a three-part format that mixed offshore and inshore races.

YCM won the team ranking ahead of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. An historic feat that marks the Principality’s entry into an exclusive circle of winners of this legendary event.

After a 695nm sprint, it all came down to the final leg. At the end of an ultra-committed and close race, Pierre Casiraghi at the helm of Jolt 6, could not hide his emotions: “Honestly, I still can’t believe what we’ve achieved. To win the Admiral’s Cup in its revival year and with Monaco’s first ever participation is beyond words. I’m not a professional helm and this was the most exhausting race I’ve ever done.” The Club’s vice-president was full of praise for his crew comprised of Ben Saxton, Joey Newton, Will Harris and Cole Brauer.

“We knew the Fastnet would be decisive and our team executed it flawlessly. Will Harris, our navigator, was just phenomenal, he didn’t miss a beat. From the moment we exited the Solent everything went to plan. We held our lead, fought off relentless pressure from Callisto (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron) and Beau Ideal (RHKYC) and made every move count. The team showed incredible resilience, character and trust in each other. This was a true team effort, from sailors to shore crew. For Monaco, this is historic. We’re a small place, but we’ve just shown we can achieve great things. I hope this inspires the next generation of young sailors at YCM.”

For their part, Jolt 3 skippered by Peter Harrison delivered a solid performance in AC Class 1, finishing third in real time in his class thanks to wise tactical decisions and clean maneuvers. “This is without a doubt the biggest result I’ve ever had in sailing and I doubt it will ever be topped. To help lead the Yacht Club de Monaco to its first Admiral’s Cup victory on our very first attempt is just extraordinary. From the start, Pierre Casiraghi and I believed in this campaign. The Club was fully behind us, and with Matt Adams coordinating and a world-class team around us we built something truly special. We had a strong core, many of whom I’ve sailed with for years. It was about chemistry, trust and shared commitment. Everyone delivered. From shore crew to helm, from sailmakers to strategists, it was a true team effort. It’s a huge moment for Monaco and I believe it firmly establishes YCM as a force in offshore sailing.”

Relaunched this year after a two-decade absence, the Admiral’s Cup gathered 15 nations, each represented by two teams competing in a demanding race format: a 160nm Channel Race (coefficient 2) followed by six inshore races in the Solent, culminating in the Rolex Fastnet Race (coefficient 3). It was this final challenge, with its extra points, that turned the tables for the leaders on the last night. Thanks to a perfectly executed finish, Monaco gained the upper hand to come first. After eight races, Jolt 3 won the prize in AC Class 1, while Jolt 6 was second in AC Class 2. Two simultaneous podium finishes allowed Yacht Club de Monaco to clinch the top spot in the team ranking, 16 points ahead of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.