Pierre Casiraghi and his Monaco crew aboard Jolt 6 are leading their class in one of sailing’s most exhausting races, putting Monaco on course for a historic first Admiral’s Cup victory.
This morning, an update was published from the Celtic Sea, where the Yacht Club de Monaco vice-president elaborated on the challenging conditions his team has endured during their third day at sea.
“We had a pretty brutal night,” Casiraghi said. “Wind picked up. We had quite a lot of waves, but all is good on board. Starting to feel everyone a bit tired, but this race has a reputation for a good reason.”
The Monaco team expects to round the iconic Fastnet Rock around noon, marking the halfway point of their 695-nautical-mile odyssey from the Isle of Wight to Plymouth. Despite the punishing overnight conditions, Jolt 6 has held onto first place in AC Class 2, though Casiraghi acknowledged the pressure from rival boats closing in behind.
“We’re still leading. We’re happy with our position. We can see our competitions behind us, they’re close. They’re fighting, pushing strong, but so are we,” he said.
Fastnet finale approaching
With approximately two days remaining to Plymouth, the race is entering its crucial phase. The fleet is finally turning downwind after grinding upwind since Saturday’s start from Cowes.
“Probably two more days to go. We’re all quite excited to be able to go downwind finally. Been going upwind since pretty much the beginning of the race,” Casiraghi noted, with clear anticipation for the tactical shift ahead.
Conditions have eased from the overnight battle, providing some relief for the exhausted crews. “It is a bit more calm now. Sea state came down, so pushing ahead,” he added.
This year’s Fastnet Race has attracted a record 451 boast from 34 countries, with some 4,000 sailors taking part. For Casiraghi, who finished third in the 2017 Fastnet alongside Boris Hermann, the race holds special significance beyond the Admiral’s Cup ambitions.
Monaco entered this weekend’s decisive offshore race sitting second overall in the team standings, just one point behind the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. With the Fastnet Race worth triple points, Pierre Casiraghi’s performance could deliver Monaco’s first Admiral’s Cup trophy.
Monaco is represented by two boats: Casiraghi’s Jolt 6 and fellow YCM member Peter Harrison’s Jolt 3.
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Main photo credit: Mars Entertainment A.F Dall’Ora