Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), has steered Team Jolt to a commanding victory at the British IRC National Championship in Cowes, solidifying Monaco’s ambitions ahead of their historic debut in the prestigious Admiral’s Cup next month.
The regatta, part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, saw Casiraghi helm Jolt 6 to first place in the IRC 1 category, navigating complex Solent conditions with strategic precision. The result affirms the momentum building around the Jolt project, spearheaded by YCM member Peter Harrison, and marks a significant milestone in the Club’s intensified competitive programme.
A tactically demanding triumph
Sailing in challenging westerly winds of 10 to 18 knots and unpredictable tides, Jolt 6 emerged victorious against a competitive fleet. “Winning this event in Cowes in typical Solent conditions was a real challenge,” said Casiraghi. “Our boat, quick in light airs, made the difference on key tacks.” The result was especially meaningful as Casiraghi competed against a field of professional helmsmen, including America’s Cup winner Dean Barker.
A multinational crew, singular focus
Casiraghi credited the success to his skilled ten-person crew, including Ben Saxton on tactics, Will Harris on navigation, and trimmers Joey Newton and Cole Brauer. “Their precision was the deciding factor,” he said. “Being the only non-professional helmsman on the water only increases my motivation. Racing against the best pushes me to rise to their level.”
Meanwhile, Jolt 3, a TP52 also under the Yacht Club de Monaco flag and skippered by Peter Harrison with Ed Baird on tactics, secured a strong third-place finish in IRC 0. The team had earlier claimed victory at the RORC Easter Challenge in April.
Eyes on the Admiral’s Cup
Both boats now look ahead to the 24th edition of the Admiral’s Cup, taking place from 17th July to 1st August 2025. Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the event returns after a long hiatus and is set to feature 14 national teams, including entries from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and the New York Yacht Club.
Team Jolt’s campaign combines the TP52 Jolt 3 and the Carkeek 42 Jolt 6, forming a strategically balanced duo representing Monaco for the first time in the Admiral’s Cup. “This latest victory is encouraging, but the standard at the Admiral’s Cup will be even higher,” said Casiraghi. “We must continue our training with rigour and determination to meet this challenge.”
With inshore and offshore formats culminating in the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race, Casiraghi and his crew are focused on arriving in peak condition—precise in execution, united in communication, and relentless in pursuit of excellence.
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Photos source: YCM