The 41st edition of the Primo Cup-UBS Trophy once again delivered top-tier sailing action in Monaco. With 400 sailors across 90 teams from 10 nations, the event, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, lived up to its reputation as a must-attend early-season regatta.
Held from 6th to 9th March in the waters off the coast of the Principality, the 2025 Primo Cup-UBS Trophy was a top-notch event filled with excitement.
A tricky easterly wind made for intense racing in all categories and pushed competitors to their limits. The iconic regatta resulted in several surprises on the podiums.
In the ClubSwan 28 category, the Japanese boat Hatari triumphed in a fierce battle against the Swiss team Anya Race, with YCM’s Black Swan, helmed by Lorenzo Bortolotti, rounding out the podium.
“We are delighted to have made our debut here in Monaco. It’s an ideal setting to launch the season and see how we measure up to the best international teams,” said Bortolotti after the race.
In the J/70 class, Monaco’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio’s G-Spot dominated, securing victory and the prestigious Perpetual Trophy. Despite a valiant effort from Denis Infante’s Euro Voiles, his team only managed second, while Swiss contenders on Ailoa claimed third.
In the Corinthian category, Euro Voiles led ahead of Ailoa and Jalla Jalla.
Giada delivered a near-flawless performance in the Smeralda 888 class, securing two wins and a third-place finish to emerge victorious. Django, helmed by YCM’s Giovanni Lombardi, and Millennium Falcon, skippered by Marco Favale, completed the top three.
For the Longtze Premier sailors, the Swiss on Shensu proved unstoppable, continually widening their lead to claim victory. QI and Germany’s Xiaolong Racing fought hard but couldn’t close the gap.
The Follin brothers stole the show in the Cape 31 class, with Adrien’s Give Me Five securing victory over Robin’s Solano. The Irish crew on Adrenalin took third in a thrilling sibling rivalry.
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series
Since its inception in 1985 by YCM President Prince Albert, the Primo Cup has grown into a cornerstone of the international sailing calendar. Supported by UBS and the Mairie de Monaco, with technical backing from North Sails, the regatta also marked the thrilling conclusion of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series 2024/2025.
This final stage of the series saw Stefano Roberti on Piccinina dominating the J/70 class, clinching the overall championship ahead of Euro Voiles and defending champion Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio on G-Spot. In the Corinthian division, Euro Voiles bested Matteo Scandolera’s Irruenza and the Swiss team Rhubarbe.
Coming up at the Yacht Club de Monaco
Next on Monaco’s sailing calendar is the Virginie Hériot Trophy, running from 14th to 16th March. Originally launched as the Women Leading & Sailing regatta, this all-female J/70 event has grown in stature, attracting 20 international teams. Led by Pink Wave, a collective of over 50 YCM sailors, it celebrates female excellence in competitive sailing.
Read related:
Trophée Virginie Hériot: Yacht Club de Monaco launches all-new J/70 regatta for women
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo credit: Studio Borlenghi / YCM