At the start of March, the Primo Cup – Trophée UBS will return to the waters of the Principality for its 41st edition, bringing top international crews, the debut of the ClubSwan 28 and the final act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series.
The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) will host the 2025 Primo Cup – Trophée UBS from 6th to 9th March. More than 450 sailors from around the world are expected to compete in the event, held in partnership with UBS and the Mairie de Monaco. The regatta will feature five one-design classes: J/70, Smeralda 888, ClubSwan 28, Longtze Premier and Cape 31.
Since its launch in 1985 by YCM President Prince Albert II, the Primo Cup has become a well-respected fixture in the European sailing calendar. This year, around 90 crews are set to race, with the J/70 class once again being the largest, fielding 45 teams. The event will also serve as the final stage of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series 2024/25.
“The Primo Cup-UBS Trophy has long been viewed as a key event on the race calendar, its reputation drawing sailors from all over the world every year,” says YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.
The 2025 edition will mark the official international debut of the ClubSwan 28, a new sportsboat from Finnish shipyard Nautor’s Swan (pictured above). The 8.5m vessel is designed for performance and ease of transport, featuring a carbon mast, a reinforced fibreglass hull and a lifting keel that eliminates the need for special transport permits. The Primo Cup has frequently served as a testing ground for new boat designs, and this launch continues that tradition.
The regatta will also bring the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series to a close. The J/70 fleet, led so far by YCM member Stefano Roberti, will compete in the final act of the 2024/25 season. First introduced in 2013, the Winter Series has become an important training opportunity for international teams ahead of major European and global events.
Racing will begin on 6th March with warm-up events from 2.30pm, followed by official races for all classes at noon on 7th March. The competition will continue on 8th and 9th March, starting at 11am each day, with the last possible warning signal scheduled for 3pm on the final day. A prize-giving ceremony will follow.
Weather conditions may influence the final schedule, but organisers anticipate a competitive weekend of sailing in Monaco’s famous waters.
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Photo source: Yacht Club de Monaco