The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) has marked the end of the year with its Winter Cocktail, where the prestigious UBS Trophy was awarded. Under the presidency of Prince Albert II, the event celebrated sporting achievements and the Club’s growing role in sustainability and innovation.
Graeme Peterson was named YCM Sailor of the Year 2024, earning the UBS Trophy for his outstanding performance as World ClubSwan50 Vice-Champion. Peterson called the award “an honour and source of pride” for his team and family. Among younger sailors, Océane Schroeder claimed recognition for her victory in the girls’ category at the International Spring Cup in La Rochelle. The promising sailor expressed her ambition to excel in mixed categories moving forward.
A year of exceptional performances
The ceremony on 18th December reflected on 2024’s standout moments, including YCM members reaching the America’s Cup finals for the first time. Ineos Britannia, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, won the Louis Vuitton Cup, while Emirates Team New Zealand, with Matteo de Nora at the helm, defended their title for a third consecutive year. Offshore racing also saw success, with Tomaso Polli claiming the Offshore World Champion title.
Adventurer Boris Herrmann, currently competing in the Vendée Globe aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer, sent a video update from the Southern Ocean, where he battles intense conditions. The clip ended with a spirited Daghe Munegu! (Go Monaco!), drawing applause from the audience.
Innovation and sustainability initiatives
YCM’s commitment to sustainability was a key theme of the evening. The Club highlighted projects like the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, which focuses on AI in marine technology, and the SEA Index, a tool measuring the carbon footprint of yachts. Already adopted in 15 harbours across the Mediterranean and Seychelles, the index now includes metrics for fuel cells and noise pollution.
Looking ahead to 2025
As YCM’s flagship vessel Tuiga approaches its 30th anniversary, the Club announced plans to compete in the Admiral’s Cup, returning after a 22-year hiatus. Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi and Peter Harrison will lead the charge, with Prince Albert II calling the venture “an inspiring challenge.”
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Photo from left to right: Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, Prince Charles de Bourbon-Siciles, Océane Schroeder, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Graeme Peterson; Alejandro Velez (Country Head for UBS Monaco, Spain and Italy), Benoît de Froidmont, Vladimir Prosikhin, and Kostia Belkin. Courtesy YCM