Yacht Club de Monaco has claimed a sensational and historic victory at the 2025 Admiral’s Cup, marking the Principality’s first-ever appearance—and first win—at one of the most legendary offshore sailing events in the world. Led by YCM vice-president Pierre Casiraghi on Jolt 6 and seasoned sailor Peter Harrison on Jolt 3, the Monegasque team clinched the win after a fiercely competitive final leg of the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The Admiral’s Cup, making its long-awaited return after a 20-year hiatus, brought together 15 nations for a demanding three-part format combining offshore and inshore racing. Yacht Club de Monaco, racing for the first time in the event’s history, entered with two boats—Jolt 6 and Jolt 3—and finished ahead of favourites from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
“It still hasn’t sunk in,” said Pierre Casiraghi, visibly emotional after crossing the finish line in Cherbourg. “To win the Admiral’s Cup in its revival year and on our debut is beyond words. I’m not a professional helm—this was the most exhausting race I’ve ever done.” He credited the tight-knit crew of Jolt 6, including Ben Saxton, Joey Newton, Will Harris and Cole Brauer, with delivering a flawless performance under pressure. “From the moment we exited the Solent, everything went to plan. We held our lead, resisted pressure from Callisto and Beau Ideal, and made every move count. For Monaco, this is historic.”
the fastnet finale seals the deal
The decisive moment came in the Rolex Fastnet Race, the final and highest-weighted stage of the competition. Spanning 695 nautical miles, it pushed sailors to their physical and tactical limits. Jolt 6 won on corrected time in their category, while Jolt 3 delivered a critical performance, finishing 3rd in real time in Class 1.
“This is without doubt the biggest result I’ve ever had in sailing,” said Peter Harrison, skipper of Jolt 3. “From the start, Pierre and I believed in this campaign, and the Club stood behind us. It’s a huge moment for Monaco. Everyone—from strategists to sailmakers—delivered. This firmly establishes YCM as a serious contender in offshore sailing.”
consistency across all races
The 2025 Admiral’s Cup featured eight races across three formats: the Channel Race, a series of inshore races in the Solent, and the Rolex Fastnet Race. Thanks to consistent podium finishes throughout—Jolt 3 won AC Class 1, while Jolt 6 came second in AC Class 2—YCM secured the overall team victory with a 16-point lead over the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
The results will be celebrated at the official prize ceremony on Thursday 31st July in the Rolex Fastnet Race village.
monaco sailors making waves
Beyond the Admiral’s Cup success, other Monaco-flagged entries also made headlines in the 51st Rolex Fastnet Race. Black Jack 100, owned by Remon Vos and helmed by Tristan Le Brun, claimed Monohull Line Honours, while Rayon Vert, helmed by Oren Nataf, finished 19th in the multihull division. Rising talent Didier Schouten, a young sailor from YCM’s Sports Section, also crossed the Channel for the first time aboard Ocean Breeze, making a memorable debut.
next stop: the ocean race europe
There’s little time to rest for Monaco’s offshore elite. Several YCM sailors, including Will Harris and Cole Brauer, will be back at sea with Team Malizia, founded by Casiraghi, in The Ocean Race Europe, kicking off on 10th August. The race will carry them from Kiel to Montenegro, via Portsmouth, Porto, Cartagena, Nice and Genoa.
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Main photo source: YCM